1 Peter 5:10: 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

[10] 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. (ESV)

The average Christian does not like the idea that suffering is a part of the package for belonging to Jesus Christ. If they are willing to accept the suffering idea, they probably will still have a problem with how this verse is worded by the Apostle Peter. He does not say that after you have suffered a little while, God will bring you home to eternal bliss. He says he will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

These four words are not describing a future reality in heaven. Rather, they are describing the believer as developing a more stable and holy character, as a result of coming through great suffering. Peter knew of what he was talking. His persecution did not stop until he was crucified upside down. What happened to him as that the Holy Spirit did an amazing work in him, bringing him through the suffering, not out of it.

As for the duration of suffering being described as, "a little while," we know that this is all relative. When we are going through the suffering it seems like it will never end. There will come a time in heaven when we will all look back upon our times of trial and suffering. We will then see it's duration as having been, "a little while." Compared to eternity, our time of suffering on earth is insignificant.

It is important for all of us who belong to the Savior to remember that we live for Christ, and not for ourselves. God has chosen, by his good and perfect will, to perfect us through suffering. We do not go through anything alone. He will be with us every step of the way. In fact, some of the greatest encounters with his holy presence come in the times of greatest trial.

Are you suffering? It will only be for a little while. In the meantime, rely on the strength that God provides. He will restore you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you.