Holding verses . . . you know the kind. The scriptures that hold you, keep you, warm you, and sustain you in your darkest hours. Where would we be . . . where would I be without the wrapping of God’s Word around my heart? Here are a few of the holding verses that cradled me during those dark hours named cancer.
“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. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” –1 Peter 5:8-11
There’s a lot of truth crammed into these four verses; the apostle Peter knew how to make every word count. He knew that the saints back then (those early Christians) would need some holding verses. I wonder if he also knew that we (current day Christians) would need them as well. Oh, the certain timelessness and gracefulness of the inspired Word of God! Indeed, holding words that keep us tethered to eternity.
So what did I learn from these four verses during my time of great suffering? What is still being learned? What truths from Peter’s yesterday can we expect to see in our todays?
- Expect an adversary—the devil. He’s hungry, he’s prowling, and he has you in his sights.
- Expect your faith. The life you live with God, the faith investments you’ve made into your spiritual bank account, have fortified your heart and your feet for a strong stand against your adversary.
- Expect companions. You are not the first, nor will you be the last to experience your particular suffering. Brothers and sisters across the planet are struggling too.
- Expect suffering (refer to first bullet point). Don’t blame God. Put the blame where it belongs.
- Expect God.
- Expect grace.
- Expect an eternal glory in Christ Jesus.
- Expect God’s willingness and ability.
- Expect God’s restoration.
- Expect God’s confirmation.
- Expect God’s strength.
- Expect God’s stability.
- Expect God’s forever . . . and ever.
- Expect an “amen” from God. A “so be it.” A finish.
Suffering days don’t have the final word on our faith and regarding our finishes. God does. And we can expect him . . . beautifully and certainly expect him to superintend our hearts all the way through to the end. He is and forever will be the holding Truth of my heart. I pray he’s yours as well.
Be watchful for the movement of God in your lives this weekend, friends. Expect it, even when your adversary seems very close at hand. Especially then, because your Advocate is even closer. I promise. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
PS: There’s still time to enter the give-away. See this post for details!
Oh YES! My Advocate is closer! Sweet, sweet consolation!
♫ “Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
and has shed His own blood
for my soul!” ♫ (or something like that)
Elaine, your new blog is beautiful! So much rich ministry here! Reading your posts brings me encouragement and wonderful peace.
In this post, each “expect” speaks volumes of mercy to my soul. Thank God that our sufferings don’t have the “final word on our faith.” Thank God any fear can be overcome by living in His light and trusting His sovereign work of grace.
Eternal perspective of all of life is my soul’s desire. Yet, what a challenge it is!
I treasure your transparent heart and beautiful spirit.
Love you,
Andrea
wifeforthejourney:
Thanks be to God that we are not defined by our sufferings, our shortcomings, and our history. That reminder, that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith is a good word for every Christian.
I am grateful this morning for your continued commitment to encourage the Body of Christ with your writing and to point us back to God’s Word!
Love you,
Billy
Great comfort and reminder Elaine. Have a wonderful Memorial weekend.
Blessings!
It is all too easy to become derailed in the midst of a suffering. Been there; done that! But if I’ve learned anything in my 64 years, it’s that the thing that troubles me (whatever it is) does not define me. It’s a happening, which is to say it will “come to pass”, as you beautifully point out here. Then, in the course of time, it will become a glorious & colorful thread in the fabric of my life. God’s redemption process is utterly amazing!
Thank God He’s positioned you right where He has for a time such as this. People need your encouragements.
Elaine…..what a wonderful word and way to start the weekend…..Scripture is such comfort because it is alive. I need to learn to live more in expectation of what God is going to do. It gets a LITTLE bit easier as I get older. Lori
Awesome reminder sweet sis.
Much placed on my heart this evening to think about….I love how God uses your writing to speak to me. Love you my friend!
Hugs!
Susan
Elaine,
Yesterday at church I learned a dear friend and elder has an aggressive form of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. In a week, he’s lost the ability to walk and is in a wheelchair. He and his wife have a great faith in God and have been there for me since James died. I’m devastated for them and am passing some of the words in your post on to them. Thank you.
XOXOXO,
Brenda