Trusting God's Promise

Scripture – 1 Peter 5:8-11: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation – The Devil is a constant threat with which we live. As in the image here, he is always prowling around, looking for a sign of weakness, ready to pounce. In the face of that we’re called to be self-controlled and alert – to resist him and stand firm in the faith. I’ve seen a pattern in my life. Things are going well. Then a time of testing and temptation comes. As I get older and more mature, the temptations are often on a more subtle level. I’ve learned to be ever more alert. The time of testing can last from a few minutes up to several months. But then always…always…God keeps His promise. “The God of all grace…will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” I have learned to stand firm in the faith. I’ve learned to trust God’s promise. And on my good days, I face adversity with peace and calmness.

Application – I will not be frazzled today. I have several things on my agenda. At the same time, I am open to whatever else comes my way. I will stay alert. And with God’s help, I will stand firm in the faith.

Prayer – Lord, I don’t expect any problems today. At the same time, interruptions are part of life. Keep me on track. Protect me by your grace. Restore me when I slip. Help me be a bit of peace in the world today.