Focus!

Focus!

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. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

The Inspiration:

Peter was speaking to fellow elders like him, with a mandate to take care of God's flock. This is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly, as there are rewards and punishments for the right or wrong actions in carrying out these assignments. Peter charges the elders to remember that God does not owe anyone, and as many as will serve Him faithfully will be rewarded with eternal life, which only God can give. My earnings, connections, influence, network and networth can't achieve anything of eternal value to me, unless I make use of them the right way. There is a call of God upon every life He has formed, and the only way my life will make sense is for me to depend on God to discover, pursue and fulfil His purpose for my life. By His Word, He has supplied grace in abundance, but He does not compel a man to come to Him. I have to recognize that grace and respond the right way.

The Contention:

God is referred to here as the God of ALL grace; there is no demand on earth that His power cannot meet. There can be no challenge that can surprise God, so no matter what comes my way, I have the assurance that God will not leave me alone. That is the greatest promise I can rely on, even as I face the challenges of this modern world. This is what also clarifies for me that the assurance of God's presence does not keep me away from these challenges. I am bound to face them and I have all that I need to overcome. Suffering and pain have been built into the fabric of this earthly phase as a result of sin, but the grace of God is stronger, deeper and higher than the reach of sin. The grace of God makes it possible for me to keep my heart on eternity, even as I am going through my daily routine down here on earth. I make impact down here, even as I prepare for the real life with God in eternity. 

The Conclusion:

The way there may be rough. There may be pain and discomfort, but it is always for a set time. Suffering is a part of human existence, and God seems to always find a way to use these experiences to bring out the best in us and to bring Himself praise and glory. God's greatest lessons seem to be learnt in those seasons of pain and discomfort, and through them, God brings me to the place of strength and comfort. God does not waste experiences He allows; if He brings them, be sure they are for your good. God's end-game is that I am fit for service down here, as well as with Him in heaven. He will do all that is required to make me complete. He will not leave me to my own devices or allow me scrape through by my labour alone. It is His joy that my life is a platform for the exhibition of His power, mercy and wisdom. He wants to do a work in and through me; would I let Him? Would you? God's time of favour is here.