AFTER A LITTLE WHILE

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. 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Persecution had caused Christians to be exiled and dispersed “throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1Pet.1:1).  Writing from his base, the author or redactor was conscious of the fact that the family of believers throughout the world was undergoing various kinds of sufferings. Here in Chapter 5, the author assures the readers and believers that despite their suffering, God is still in control and will act in due course.

The author declares and affirms that the God of all grace is the same God who has called us to eternal glory and who knows all our various experiences.  God will not allow the good which was started in believers to go to naught.  Consequently, after a relatively short period, the same God will restore us to our rightful place and will make us stronger and more durable. The writer used the phrase “ a little while”. “Little” should be understood both in respect of the degree and intensity as well as of the duration of suffering; for, compared with the joys of heaven, the sufferings of this life are light as well as momentary. 

This world brings many challenges, and Christians are not exempt from these realities. The UNHCR has estimated that 9 million Syrians have fled their homes since the outbreak of civil war in March 2011. The scenes on television are heartrending.  Many Christians and Yazidis have been murdered or have fled Iraq as a result of the murderous activities of Islamic State.  All across the world, millions are suffering and displaced, and it does not matter whether they are political, economic or religious refugees.  The fact is, like the early Christians, they are uprooted and displaced. It may sound heartless and unconscionable to tell such persons that it’s only for “a little while”, but it is true that no situation is permanent.

I am happy that nothing in this world lasts forever, not even suffering. There is a time frame for all our experiences. In the words of Solomon, “There is a time for everything” (Ecc. 3). For how long have you been having that pain? For how long have things not been going well in the family? For how long have you been in that uncomfortable working environment? For how long have you been paying the mortgage? For how long has that relationship been breaking down? Whatever your situation is, it will not last forever and it will hurt only for a while.  In God’s own time, God will initiate and effect deliverance and release. Compared to eternity, no matter what we have to endure in this world, it is for “a little while”; and if we come out of the situation, we will be stronger, firmer and more steadfast in our walk and faith in God.

Thought:          We often stumble in our walk with God, but God has never left us, and will never leave us, on the ground. 

Prayer Focus: For those who are suffering, however light or intense