The Lord’s Strengthening Work
By Pastor Mitch
January 24, 2020
CALLED US TO HIS ETERNAL GLORY
We are all called to salvation in Christ. The Lord God has called us all out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9). For us who have faith in Christ, this is indeed a wonderful status that He has given to us. Another aspect of this calling is to look forward to being with Him in eternal glory.
Who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus…” 1 Peter 5:10
The phrase “eternal glory” is a reference to spending and enjoying for all eternity the glories of heaven. Going to be with the Lord God for all eternity in heaven is something that all of us should trust and wait on Him for. There should be within us a living hope in the inheritance that we have in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4). It is our destiny to be with the Lord forever. This is the hope of our calling. This should consistently drive us on in life.
THE LORD STRENGTHENING US IN LIFE
After you have suffered for a while, perfect, establish, strengthen….” 1 Peter 5:10
With this hope and calling in mind, the Christians in the Dispersion needed to press on in life and to face whatever challenges ahead. Not only did Peter pray for the God of all grace to mend their life and to fix firmly whatever was needed, he also prayed that He would strengthen them. The word “strengthen” in Greek has the idea of strengthening a person so as to help him overcome something. The Christians in the Dispersion were still weak. They needed to be fortified in faith and life that they may be strong enough to face whatever challenges ahead. We too need to be strengthened further in our faith and life. How can we do this?
a. Through praying for the Lord’s grace
b. Through learning to rejoice in God and our salvation despite testing
c. Through growing in the word of God
d. Through developing a stronger mindset and spirit
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Life will have its challenges. We need the grace of God to strengthen us that we may be steadfast to face the challenges of life. I realised even more how much I need to be stronger in the Lord. Even as we celebrate Chinese New Year, one wish for all is to be strengthened further in our faith and life. Let’s seek the Lord and His strength (1 Chron. 16:11). Let’s continue to be steadfast till we join our heavenly Father in eternal glory.
