In the midst of difficult circumstances, it’s easy for me to believe I’m the only one in distress. But Peter reminded his audience, suffering simply for following Jesus, that they were not alone.

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 suffering.

I suffer very little for my faith, but I’ve met believers enduring intense hardships. Some face the threat of arrest, while others experience blackballing from jobs or ostracization from family. All who follow Jesus deal with misunderstandings and side-ways glances as we adhere to the ways of the Lord rather than popular mantras.

Peter reminds us to remain vigilant and sensible. Resist the ways of the evil one, and cast our anxiety on the Lord. Then he concludes: 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 for ever and ever. Amen.

You and I are not alone. Stay strong and keep the faith.

1 Peter 5 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor