Now the God of all grace, who called you to eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally, restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a while.     1 Peter 5:10 HCSB

One of the least favorite things my parents would say to me was, “In a little while.” This meant that whatever I wanted or wanted to do would have to wait.

And if you have ever been in a scary situation and called for help only to find that it will be there in a little while that’s a whole other conundrum. A physical fight or struggle that lasts 2-3 minutes seems to go on for at least half an hour.

No one enjoys suffering, but the Bible tells us in many passages that we will suffer here on earth. In this passage from 1 Peter there is hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We know that after we have suffered a little while, God Himself will personally restore, strengthen and establish us.

Sometimes our suffering is self-induced. I don’t know about you but there have often been times in my life where I have brought about my own set of problems. I have also experienced suffering when God has allowed me to have my way. I have come to fully understand that whole His way is better than my way thing from Isaiah 55:9.

We can also be doing over very best to do everything right and living according to God’s word and still suffer. Paul suffered greatly. He was beaten stoned, shipwrecked, and thrown into prison numerous times. He said in 2 Timothy 3:12 that all desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

If a pastor tells you that once you accept Christ as your savior, you will never suffer again and it will be all rainbows and lollipops here on out, find another pastor. Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Part of life on planet earth is suffering, and we will all experience our fair share. The big difference is suffering while we live our lives surrendered to Christ and suffering without Christ. Now how people suffer without Christ I just don’t know. I am thankful that I had a mother and grandmother who modeled the Christian lifestyle and had me in church every time the doors were open.

I have suffered when I wasn’t in a right relationship with God. That didn’t work out so well, and I had to rededicate my life to Christ. That didn’t end my suffering of course, but it did make it much easier. It gave me hope knowing whatever I was going through, He was right there with me.

In Isaiah 42:3 God said, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you.”

We are told in Romans 8:28 if we love the Lord and do as He has called us to do, He will work all things out for our good.

1 Peter 3:14 says, “But even if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.”

I’ve often heard it said we are either in a trial, have just come out of a trial or are about to go through a trial. We know we will suffer. We don’t know how we will suffer or how long we will suffer.

But if we suffer as we live in Christ, we know He will be there with us. We know that in a little while, He Himself will personally restore, strengthen and establish us.

I’ve suffered with Him and without Him and I can tell you with Him is so much easier. Trust in Christ today. Surrender your life to Him before it’s too late. Then, you can rest assured that in a little while you will come through with His help.

Have a great day!