Photograph by Nellie Valverde
Instructions to Avoid Destruction
From Peter in 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 come these words: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Nothing in life should catch us off guard but it sometimes does. We make discoveries along the way and we find out things that we believe we should not know as believers or things happening or being said among believers; and sometimes we find things directed at us that are not based on truth or come directly out of hate towards us. Peter knew all those things based on a decision he made in his life to follow Christ. He found out that being a believer does not wipe away your enemies, in fact, it might just make new ones among you; even the kind that will stop at nothing until they have destroyed you, your reputation or your career. Yet, he writes, our attitude should be one of rejoicing, and not only rejoicing, but for us to be ready to "be glad and shout for joy when His glory is revealed." In all things, the believer faces all things with the Holy Spirit resting on him/her.
In 2005, Nellie, Carli, Caty, and I, had the chance to visit Wesley's Chapel in London, England. We worshipped on a Sunday morning with brothers and sisters from around the world, and we then asked for a tour of Wesley's home which we took with a guide who took us into Wesley's bedroom and towards a door where he asked if we wanted to see the "Power plant of Methodism"? He opened the door to reveal Wesley's prayer closet. "The man did not start his day, write or preach a sermon, take a trip, without first taking it to God in prayer right here on this kneeler." He then asked if we wanted to pray on that same kneeler as Wesley. It was an easy question with an easy answer.
Peter says that our lives should be lived in the same way; begin, live, and end each day, humbled before the Lord, knowing God has a mighty hand to guide and protect us. God will help us endure what we have to suffer and then, in due time, God will exalt us. Whatever worries, cares and anxieties we carry we should turn over to God, knowing that God cares for us. We should live a disciplined life, praying and covering ourselves with scripture and the blessings of worship knowing these things keep us alert and prepared against our adversary; Peter compares the enemy to a roaring lion, "looking for someone to devour." Our job is to resist for as long as it takes, knowing we are not alone; brothers and sisters around the world are enduring what we endure, and in God's time, we will no longer suffer and we will rejoice and shout for the deliverance that God will provide. Ours will be restoration, support, strength, and an establishment that will bring glory to God.
PRAYER: Loving God, to you be the power and the glory now and forever, for all that You provide to us. Bless and strengthen those who are enduring great suffering. Heal and make whole those among us who need a blessing of health. Walk with us, remind us of our shared journey with other believers here and everywhere who have put their trust in You. This we pray in the Name of He who suffered, died, and rose again for us, Jesus our Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
