A BRIGHTER FUTURE
But the God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
(1 Peter 5:10)
If 2011 was a challenging year for you, say "Amen!" From the White House, to the Court House, and even to the Church House, we can truly say that God brought us through one difficulty after another. That being said, I am confident that we have a brighter future awaiting us in 2012.
In the passage above, Peter reminds Christians that we will suffer awhile. He does not say we "may" suffer, or "could possibly" suffer. He says "after" we suffer. It is unavoidable. Just as God grants us mercy, He allows suffering. The good news however is, that after the suffering, God does 4 things for us. He makes us perfect; He establishes us; He strengthens us; and He settles us.
We look forward to 2012 because we realize that God is moving us in the direction of perfection, while establishing, strengthening and settling us. Trouble does not last always. When we believe that premise, we will not get discouraged in the midst of our storms. Our suffering is only for "awhile." When God delivers us from difficult circumstances we can rejoice even more because we realize that He is always working things out for our good.
So be encouraged for 2012. Keep hope alive. Thank God for where He has brought you from while also praising Him for where He will be taking you to.
I am looking forward to 2012. I believe that God has "A BRIGHTER FUTURE" in store for us. Happy New Year!
