“…after you have suffered a little while…”
Grace and suffering are not two words we often put together.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10, ESV).
An experience, a sensation, or an impression that is generally painful is the Blue Letter Bible’s definition for the Greek word translated as suffering in this verse. “Generally!?” Said the suffering person, never.
Suffering is painful most of the time, wouldn’t you agree?
Suffering is felt profoundly and inflicts our soul, marking an impression regardless of its origins. Equated with time, suffering is not momentary but lingers for days, months, and sometimes years.
What are you enduring that is inflicting pain into your life?
“After you have suffered a little while” – at some point into our suffering, 1 Peter 5:10 promises a turn of events, an occurrence that beckons us to be watchful. What happens next?
Our suffering will meet the God of grace. The God of grace embodies and delights in giving undeserved gifts. He is the Creator of benevolence unearned, and at some point, in our suffering, we can expect God to interject his lovingkindness.
God may or may not alleviate our suffering. Assuredly, God will extend grace in unexpected ways more powerful than eliminating our anguish. We want our suffering to be demolished, gutted like a house renovation. We think our situation needs to be obliterated, but God recognizes that our soul needs more than a remodel.
What does our soul need? Because the enemy will tempt us in our suffering to focus on our pain, doubt God’s goodness, and exploit vulnerable places, the God of Grace will give us four gifts. Christ, Himself, will provide these superpowers.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, WILL HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10, all caps and bold added).
#1 The Gift of being Restored
The King James Version reads, “will make you perfect.” Christ Himself promises to mend, repair, wholly, and thoroughly each part of our broken, wounded self. The restorative process involves three other promises of confirming, strengthening, and establishing us. (Hebrews 10:14; 1 John 4:12)
#2 The Gift of being Confirmed
For my Catholic friends, this is not a series of classes to complete. When we feel shaken and confused, Christ Himself promises to turn us “resolutely in a certain direction.”[i] There will be no doubt about our purpose or the next steps we need to take. In the process of plainly pointing out our path, Christ will also confirm our identity as His friend, His child, and that nothing can separate us from His love. (John 15:13, 15; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:38-39)
#3 The Gift of being Strengthened
Christ was beaten beyond recognition and died a criminal’s death on the cross, taking our place. God spun death on its heels the day Jesus died. His dying and resurrection became our source of life and strength. Christ conquered death, and the resurrected Christ, will Himself sanction us with His power to take the next step. (Psalm 73:26, Isaiah 41:10)
#4 The Gift of being Established
Like a mountain, rock solid, our faith will become more grounded. Several translations use the word “settle” to describe the last gift. Suffering can disrupt our minds, routines, livelihood, finances, and relationships. Despite the unnerving traumatization, Christ will instill in us His peace and settle our souls. (John 16:33; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
The beauty of God’s grace is also in His timing. In the first part of 1 Peter 5:10, “and after you have suffered a little while” we can look for and anticipate the goodness of God at work in our lives. “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD: be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14, NRSV)
I pray the God of Grace will open your eyes to His goodness at work in and around you. While you wait, may you sense the presence of Christ building your faith to believe He is restoring, confirming, strengthening, and establishing you. In Jesus’ name, so be it.
Meditate: Christ, Himself will
Reflect: What are some of your current trials/sufferings? Which of the four gifts speak to you the most and why? In Proverbs 4:10-27, what role does the Word of God play in the restorative process? How can looking forward to these four gifts comfort you in a time of suffering?
Rooted: 1 Peter 4: 12-19, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Psalm 27:11-14, Proverbs 4:10-27
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(Bible References: NRSV – New Revised Standard Version, ESV – English Standard Version)
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[i] “G4741 – stērizō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 14 Aug, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4741/kjv/tr/0-1/>.
