Suffering & Hope

Suffering & Hope

Statement of Faith

1 Peter 5:6-11

Three Commands:

1. Humble Yourselves

   Not yesterday’s load we are called on to bear,
   Nor the morrow’s uncertain and shadowy care;
   Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
   Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.
   One day at a time, and the day is His day;
   He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
   His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
   As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.
   ~ One Day at a Time, by Annie Johnson Flint

2. Be sober-minded; be watchful

   Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
   For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
   I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
   Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

   When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
   My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
   The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
   Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
   ~ How Firm a Foundation, John Rippon

3. Resist Satan

   Mine are tears in times of sorrow
   Darkness not yet understood
   Through the valley I must travel
   Where I see no earthly good
   But mine is peace that flows from heaven
   And the strength in times of need
   I know my pain will not be wasted
   Christ completes his work in me

   Mine are days here as a stranger
   Pilgrim on a narrow way
   One with Christ I will encounter
   Harm and hatred for His name
   But mine is armour for this battle
   Strong enough to last the war
   And He has said He will deliver
   Safely to the golden shore

   And mine are keys to Zion city
   Where beside the King I walk
   For there my heart has found its treasure
   Christ is mine forevermore
   Come rejoice now, O my soul
   For His love is my reward
   Fear is gone and hope is sure
   Christ is mine forevermore
   ~ by CityAlight

The Promise:

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you

“Remember this, that your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all!”
~ Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

Notes: