Lifted

Text: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Theme: God lifts and honors those who are humble and strong in faith.

Key verses: “So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith…In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (v. 6-10).

What God said to me: Focus. That’s what I’m saying. Unbelievable how easily distracted you are. Cell phone, Facebook, people, stray thoughts, to-dos–all compete for my attention. Have you forgotten who you are talking to, whose presence you are privileged to be. Look around. Everything you see in nature, every person who passes are my creations. I made the heavens and the earth. I hold the galaxies in place, and nothing is too difficult for me. I am the Lord your God, and I rule and reign. Don’t you think I deserve a bit more of your attention and respect than you tend to give me at times? Like Jesus said to his disciples, could you not watch with for an hour? Can you not give me some of your precious time, Dwayne? I love to commune with you. And you need me to commune with you. You need my direction and comforting peace. You need to know you have connected with me and that I have heard your prayers. All this comes down to the very things Peter is warning his readers about in this passage: Humble yourself, watch out for the devil’s devouring, and be strong in the faith I have given you. That’s it. Simple, but oh so important. Basically it can be summed it in 3 postures: Bow down, look around, stand strong.

What I said to God: Thank You, my Father, for Your gracious and kind warnings and poignant speaking to my heart today. I needed everything I’ve sensed You saying to me. I am sorry that I must be reminded so often of things I should have learned years ago. I love that you remember my frame and know I am made of dust. Thank you for having pity on me as a father pities his children. Thank You that Your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear You. I choose today to humble myself, be alert for Satan’s ploys, and stand firm in my faith. I choose to praise You with my life and from my heart. Help me share my joy and hope with someone who needs to hear of You today.