Good morning Five Minute Families. Has your family ever struggled through the day, the month, the year? Unfortunately, we have all struggled and suffered through life in this fallen world. Is your family prepared for the battles that are all around us? We have discussed, here on the Five Minute Family devotional, on how to prepare our families for times of trouble. Just as the fire drill prepares us to escape a fire, God’s Word prepares us for the fiery arrows of this world.

We recently saw how God’s Word prepares us for quality communication in a crisis as we demonstrate concern, commitment, competency, clarity, and confidence. Back in December of ’22 we went through Scripture to see not only how the Israelites were fed, led, watered, taught, and given a steward, but how we are as well. God’s Word is living, breathing, and bringing instruction for every situation we will face as a family.

I was motivated to write this from the sermon series our pastor is doing from 1st Peter. In the writing of the apostle Peter we can see that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to encourage us to always be ready for battle. Beware that the enemy is ready to steal our joy, provide stumbling blocks of temptations, and get our focus off our savior Jesus Christ. So, we must be diligent to stay the course.

Peter in the 5th chapter, verses 10 and 11, states: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

The foundation of these verses is God’s Grace – the God of ALL grace. When we try to operate in life apart from God we are giving up His grace and power; we think we are capable, self-sufficient. “You can do it” is the heart of many self-motivational speeches. God’s grace is extended to us as a gift, available and eternal. It will never fail us or leave us. And, from that foundation, Peter highlights five ways that to encourage your family to be ready in the norms and storms of life.

Called. When your phone rings you get excited. Maybe it’s your spouse with wonderful news. Your best friend asking you to share a lunch together. Or, it could be the God of the universe wanting to share with you His eternal glory. That calling is not just our job but our identity. In Christ we bear His name. We receive heavenly backing on our earthly journey. We are known by God and can shine His glory throughout our lives.

Perfect. Perfection is not a feeling but a destination. Through the process of sanctification, we learn to put on Christ daily and take off our old selves in response to His love and kindness. The verse I read says, “will Himself perfect.” Christ is our perfect and He is the one doing the perfecting. We do have to let go and let God. Give Him the opportunity, like Kim likes to say, “to show up and show off.”

Confirm. Listen to His Word and hear that He is for us and not against us. We will at times doubt the goodness of God, that is normal in our fleshly bodies. But God, in while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We will receive endorsement as we strive to bring Him glory. Verses 1 and 4 in the same chapter reads that we are a “partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,” and will receive the “unfading crown of glory.” A crown is a shining achievement and Christ has confirmed its placement.

Strengthen. Our flesh and bones are weak, but as Proverbs states ‘the fear and reverence of the Lord will bring healing and refreshment to our bones.’ Jesus knows our struggle. He knows our weakness. He endured and overcame and He is standing at the right hand of the Father in majesty. His Words are like sweet honey on our lips and encouragement to our souls. It is not the building up ourselves that make us strong but the surrender to God that ultimately brings strength.

Establish. We are being set up, brought to a place we may not have dreamed. Taken to an unimaginable existence guided by love, mercy, and grace. God knows exactly where we are and where we are going. Embrace being found and know that the journey is going to be amazing.

And, remember that Christ “will Himself” do the work to achieve the goal and bring Himself the glory. Enjoy the ride and believe He will accomplish all that He desires.

Thank you for joining us today. Plan a time of family reflection, be it a hike in the woods of God’s creation or a visit to Clear View Retreat for a time of enrichment and renewal. We know God has great plans for you and your family. Be blessed.