February 12, 2023 . . .

At the end of I Peter Chapter 5 Verses 8-14, Peter gives a last piece of advice and instruction to the churches. He reminds them that spiritual warfare is real and constant. They need to be sober, vigilant, and watchful for the ways the devil will try to destroy their faith in God and Jesus Christ. There are so many ways in which Satan will try to pull a Christ-follower away from God. He wants to win the battle, but we are under God. We can definitely say that about today’s world as well. We need to submit to God, be serious and alert, resist the devil and stand firm. Peter’s words to the people of his time are still true. He reminds them that after the fight comes the victory. We may suffer for a little while, but after suffering comes glory. God has a purpose for our suffering. He wants to perfect us, establish us, strengthen us, and settle us. You probably would agree that we learn more about ourselves in the hard times when our faith is tested. God is with us. He is building our faith muscles when we are going through difficulties. After the suffering comes the glory. Always remember that our victory comes from God’s grace. He’s got this and will always make you a winner when you stay on His side!