Strength of character.

This evening my family and I read 1 Peter 5 and I wanted to share a few of the verses and commentary by John MacArthur. I think these words are so challenging and comforting to any child of God!

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." -1 Peter 5:6-7

John MacArthur writes:

"Christians are to cast all of their discontent, discouragement, despair and suffering on the Lord, and trust Him for knowing what He's doing with their lives."

None of us are alone in our trials and hurt:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." v. 8-9

And look at this.. it is so beautiful:

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." v. 10

John MacArthur says:
Christians are to live with the understanding that God's purposes realized in the future require some pain in the present  While the believer is being personally attacked by the enemy, he is being personally perfected by the Lord... God is working through the Christians struggles to produce strength of character."

I'm amazed at God's grace and love... and so thankful that He is so patient with His children as He diligently and faithfully conforms us to His son.