1 Peter 5:11,  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.  To Him be the power forever and ever.  Amen

Unfortunately, building endurance takes time and effort.  We are called to be steadfast and that would indicate that things aren’t always going to run smoothly in our lives.  God has told us in His Word that life on earth will be hard, if you aren’t ever facing battles maybe you need to take a close look at your walk with God.  Yes, we have seasons of awesomeness and God’s blessing, but if satan is never fighting you on any level then somehow he doesn’t see you as a threat.  We all face spiritual battles in life, I have been so battle-weary some days I wonder which way is up.  When you feel like that you must ask God to give you strength for one more day to fight the lies that satan tries to tell you to make you feel hopeless ~ resist him!  Ask God for the strength to stand and to wait on Him trusting that as it says in these verses that He, “Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  

When you feel anxiety-ridden, and let’s face it there is a lot of craziness going on in the world and satan seems to be on a rampage to destroy us, give the anxiety to Him reminding yourself that He loves you deeply and He has a plan that He is working out.  I know that may sound trite if read the wrong way, but I am right there with you.  I don’t say these things sitting on a mountaintop, making light of anyone’s situation, believe me.  The best way to learn to trust God is to keep reminding yourself that He is trustworthy and He is always true to His Word, but you must follow Him.  You cannot expect God’s best and His plan if you choose to do your own thing.  

Of course, my favorite part of these verses is, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ after you have suffered a little while will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.  To Him be the power forever and ever.  Amen”.  ~ “ A little while?” you may say, “This hasn’t been, a ‘little while!”  I get it, but think about this… if it has been “forever” then you must be closer than you think to your victory and answer.  I know this ~ you can trust Him!  He will come through!  He will do what is best!  He loves you more than words can say and not one tear you have shed has escaped His notice.

Give it to Him, whether it is a struggle or a simple decision.  Take it all to Him and stand firm on the Word of God knowing that you can count on the fact that truly His best is yet to come when you are sticking close to His side!

Quote:  “It’s in the struggle itself that you define yourself.”  ~ Pat Buchanan