DEC 19

1 Peter 5:10-11
Memorise 1 Peter 5:10-11
“To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen”

HOW SHOULD YOU PRAY FOR OTHERS WHO ARE SUFFERING?

Peter’s prayer was a great comfort to his readers. A true pastor will wish to encourage the believers and here Peter gives many sources of comfort to those who are suffering. First he tells the believers that they have a God who is the God of all grace. This beautiful name for God tells them that God’s manifold and abundant grace will see them through the difficulties and trails of life. His grace extends to every aspect of a believer’s life – our salvation, our obedience, our love, our faith and the trials of life. His unmerited favour will be upon us constantly till the end of our life.

Another source of comfort is that our troubles will be only a while. It will be of a short duration, in comparison to the eternity of glory that is ahead. Another way to compare is with the sufferings of Jesus on the cross. Suffering saints can also take comfort that God’s purpose for their suffering is to enjoy His eternal glory and love. In the process, he will achieve perfection, stability, strength and steadfastness. Each of these words, “perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle” speaks of an ongoing process that God is directing to grow us in His grace, till we see Him face to face.

Finally, Peter ends his prayer with a doxology. “To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever” His prayer of divine comfort had led him to burst out in praise. He knows that the God of all grace will give him a wonderful future and encourages the saints to rest fully in the God’s sovereign power.

Dear teen, are you suffering for Christ? If not, know that every true believer, in taking a stand for Christ, in an ungodly world will inevitably meet with hostility and persecution of some sort. Remember that the world is not a friend to believers and if they persecute our Master, we His servants are not spared. Comfort yourself then with the words of Scripture and especially this epistle. We in the 21st century will also meet, the same antagonistic attitude of mockers and scorners of God’s Word. Consider taking a stand for creationism, of how the world was created as against the evils of evolution and you will soon find that you are alone. Will you then gladly suffer for Christ?

Thought: Suffering is necessary to conform us to Christ.
Prayer: O Father in heaven, may I be of good courage when I need to take a stand for Christ in this wicked and perverse generation.