He Will Restore

Date: February 16, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – 1 Peter 5:10

"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."

Listen for God’s Voice

Thank you heavenly Father for the assurance and encouragement that we find in today’s verse. I ask that you would help me to remember this verse and to use it in my daily life as I face struggles or sufferings by reminding me that you are the God of all grace and that you will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast. Help me to trust in your goodness and faithfulness, and to live each day with the hope and joy that comes from knowing you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The Apostle Peter wrote this book around the end of the first century AD to the various churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey today). The area was mostly made up of Gentile converts to Christianity. Peter wrote it because they were being persecuted and he was encouraging them to endure and persevere in their suffering and was offering them comfort and hope and encouraged them to trust in God’s faithfulness. 

Study and Savor – Key Words

"the God of all grace": This phrase highlights that God is the source of all grace, emphasizing His goodness, generosity, and kindness towards His people.

"who called you": This phrase reminds us that believers have been called by God to salvation and to participate in His eternal glory through faith in Jesus Christ.

"eternal glory": This phrase refers to the ultimate destiny of believers, which is to be with God forever in His kingdom.

"after you have suffered a little while": This phrase acknowledges that believers may experience suffering and trials in this life, but that these are temporary and will not last forever.

"will himself restore you": This phrase assures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering, but is actively involved in restoring and healing us.

"make you strong, firm, and steadfast": This phrase describes the transformation that God works in us as we persevere through suffering, becoming stronger and more resolute in our faith.

Summarize and Share

What a powerful message of hope and encouragement to believers who are facing trials and suffering! This verse reminds us that God is the source of all grace, and that He is actively involved in restoring and strengthening us through the difficulties we face.

We all face suffering and trials in our lives and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or even abandoned by God. But 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us that we are not alone, and that God is with us, working to restore us and make us strong.

So how does God restore us when we suffer? 

Through community: When we face suffering, it can be tempting to isolate ourselves and try to deal with our problems alone. But God often works through the love and support of others to bring us healing and restoration. This might look like a friend who listens and encourages us, a support group that offers empathy and understanding, or a church community that provides practical help and spiritual guidance.

Through personal growth: Suffering can also be a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. As we persevere through difficult times, we may develop greater compassion, resilience, and faith. We may discover new strengths and talents, or gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God. In these ways, suffering can become a means of restoration and growth.

So what can we do today to live out 1 Peter 5:10? Here are three suggestions:

Seek support: If you are facing suffering or trials, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or community for support. Ask for prayer, advice, or practical help as needed.

Practice gratitude: Even in the midst of suffering, take time to acknowledge the good things in your life and thank God for them. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude can help us to focus on God's goodness and grace, even when things are difficult.

Trust in God's faithfulness: Remember that God is the God of all grace, and that He is working to restore you and make you strong. Trust in His faithfulness and love, even in the midst of suffering, and look forward to the eternal glory that awaits you.

As we live out this verse in our lives, we can find hope, comfort, and strength in the knowledge that we are not alone, and that God is actively working to restore us and make us strong. Let’s trust in His grace and faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering, and look forward to the eternal glory that awaits us.

Bible Cross Reference

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." Like 1 Peter 5:10, this verse encourages believers to persevere through trials and suffering, reminding us that there is a reward waiting for those who do.

Psalm 34:19 - "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." This verse echoes the theme of God's deliverance and restoration in 1 Peter 5:10, offering comfort and hope to those who are facing troubles and trials.

Romans 8:18 - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Like 1 Peter 5:10, this verse reminds believers to look beyond their current suffering to the greater glory that awaits them in eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This passage offers a similar perspective to 1 Peter 5:10, reminding believers that their present troubles are temporary, and that God is working to achieve a greater eternal glory through them.