Monday, June 22, 2009

God of ALL Grace

1 Peter {5:10} But the God of all grace, who hath called us
unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have
suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen,
settle [you. ]{5:11} To him [be] glory and dominion for
ever and ever. Amen.


* God of all grace! God who has called us to HIS eternal glory by Christ Jesus! We might suffer a while and how long is a while- our lifetime in fact because this life is so conducive to suffering. We live in a world that promises suffering in one way or another. We live a life that offers us pain in so many ways. Yes, there are good things, happy thing, glorious things even, but most people would have to admit there is more pain than good, more evil than good. We are tormented not just by other people but by things we can't even see. We are assailed by wicked things constantly and the wicked things take pleasure in causing us all the hardship they can. Finding peace amidst the suffering is all we are allowed and that peace isn't from pain but peace that is in spite of the pain. A smile when tortured, a peace when tried, we are given that and able to find that only by the God of all Grace through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Is it easy? No. It's a knowledge, not a feeling. A knowing not an emotional happenstance. If we wait for a peace we equate with happiness we will wait in vain because peace is a knowing that the suffering now isn't for eternity. We suffer a while and made perfect, we're established, strengthened and settled in Christ. All gloyr and dominion to our God whose promises are sure and based on knowledge not slippery feelings that are wrought by the slightest wind of upset or joy.


May the Lord Bless and Keep us all in Him now and forever. May we know our suffering now is just for a while and for our own good in ways we cannot fathom. May we know that God, the God of ALL grace who calls each of us through Jesus Christ will keep us safe in Him, know it even if we don't feel it. By His mercy and grace, by His love beyond measure.


Amen.

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