At the Speed of Our Father’s Kindness
“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 Pet. 5:10).
Heavenly Father, thank you for your heart-encouraging, perspective-giving voice in the Bible—especially this “word” from Peter about suffering. Many friends are experiencing losses, “crosses,” broken bodies, and overwhelmed hearts. Nothing brings us more peace than knowing you as “the God of all grace”—our “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor 1:3).
In the matrix of mercy, all suffering is just for a “little while.” We are grateful there is a perfect timetable in heaven. Free us grace to accept it, and trust you more. When we’d gladly settle for temporal relief, remind us you’ve called us to “eternal glory in Christ.” Make that real and precious to us, not just a religious cliché or slogan.
The Day of no more “death, mourning, crying, or pain” is barreling towards us at the speed of your kindness (Rev.21:4). Until then, free us to ache to your glory, bear each other’s burdens, and encourage one another daily (Heb.3:13). Grace frees us from “hoarding our heartaches,” or ignoring our friends’ “too-much-ness.” Shared weakness releases the aroma of your nearness and tenderness.
Father, “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us, just as you have promised. May your daily mercies define us 7 times more than out fleeting misery. That you see us, know us, care and are in control is sweetness beyond measure. So Very Amen.
