"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1Pet. 5:6-9, ESV)
This is what we can take away from this passage:
1. Remain humble unto God's power. (v. 6)
2. If we're sincerely humble, God will honor us at the proper time. (v. 6)
3. Give all our worries and cares (about whatever it may be) to God. "Anxiety has become a common plague that affects approximately...up to 25% of the general [U.S.] population." (p. 7, Caring For People God's Way). God knows what we're dealing with, and He cares about our holistic health. Give it over to Him. His shoulders are big enough to handle it, and He's gentle enough to help His fragile children with it. (v. 7)
4. Be self-controlled. (v. 8a)
5. Be watchful of the enemy. (v. 8a)
6. The devil is at work trying to hinder God's plan in your life and steal God's glory. (v. 8b)
7. Resist the enemy by standing firm in our faith. Do not allow ourselves (yourself) to be used by him. (v. 9a)
8. Know that we have brethren all over the world fighting this same fight and undergoing the same sufferings (some more worse than others). So let that further motivate us not to give up! (v. 9b)
Be encouraged, and continue to love and serve in excellence unto our Lord Jesus!
2011
