Our scripture this morning is 1 Peter 5:6-11.
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.
Peter closes his first letter with words of encouragement and warning to the early church, which are just as applicable for us today. The devil still prowls, “looking for someone to devour” (v. 8). We can be overcome by evil unless we stay aware and connected to God.
He tells us that we are called to endure what the world subjects us to for the sake of Christ’s sacrifice for us. However, any pain we suffer during this life will be more than worth it for the joy of eternity with God. He teaches us to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (v. 7), and that by this we will be healed.
Nothing the world does to us can affect our souls. The hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” reminds us “The body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still”. When we live in faith and believe His truth, we are truly saved.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your protection. Help us to stand firm in Your love, sharing the joy of our connection with You with everyone. Amen.