“But may the God of all grace, Who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11) NKJV.
“How’s the pain levels today, Henry?” his dear friend asked him. “Well, let’s put it this way. I’ve been memorizing some verses in 1 Peter. This week I’m working on 1 Peter 5:10-11. So my answer is that the dear Lord is in the process of perfecting, establishing, strengthening and settling me,” was his reply. The person who was visiting with him on his front porch that day knew nothing of Scripture, but she did know that he was in pain every day. Good for Henry. He used this opportunity to capture his neighbor’s attention for a moment as he answered her question with a very precious testimony of what happens in the life of a believer who is suffering. He quoted the verse and then explained the application of how this gives a whole new meaning to even difficult times. It was a great opportunity for him. How is it with you? How are these two verses working out in your life and situation?
For today: How special it is to keep eternity in perspective. Eternity ahead changes the perspective of today. It doesn’t cause us to live in denial; it does help us to depend on Him and delight in His plan.