“don’t fear this roaming lion” – 1 Peter 5:10
“After you have suffered AA)’>God of all grace, who AC)’>eternal glory in Christ, will Himself AE)’>confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (See 1 Peter 5:10) Do Christians suffer? Um, yea. Persecution is a staple in the believer’s household. From the government all the way down to some nextdoor neighbors, being of our faith isn’t always a cake walk because people like to bust our chops. Because we go against the grain. Society doesn’t like moral, upright or clean. We are lights in darkness. So, yea, suffering. We get it. Just before this verse, Peter tells us that the devil is a lion seeking someone to devour. And if the devil himself isn’t gnawing on you, it’s probably one of his fallen angel buddies gumming your heels. But, as believers of Jesus and people who put their faith and trust and hope and cares towards Him, the devil is a toothless granny. Yes, he’s powerful – but his power doesn’t even register on the meter compared to God’s. And since we’re on God’s team, God has our back and we are covered by the blood of Christ. Best. Shield. Ever. And when it’s all said and done, our suffering here will only make our reward in Heaven that much sweeter. (Oh, God can and does bless His people here on earth as well. You very well could be established and set up proper-like while you walk out this life. Being a Christian isn’t centered around suffering. That’s just a side effect of knowing the truth and not being too cowardly to voice it.)