What I learned in church

Our pastor, Steve Taylor, has been preaching a series entitled "The Alpha Predator" based on I Peter 5:8-11.

"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. vs.10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."

Last week, when he preached on verse 10, it was eye-opening. Like many of us say, I'd read this verse many times...but I'd never seen it....especially taking it in context. We're told the enemy is going to come around. He's going to try and devour us. We're told to withstand him. We're told we're going to suffer. We're warned and prepared.
But.....when you've suffered a little while, the God of all grace...will HIMSELF complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen and settle you.
God allows the battles with the predator. And like He taught me recently---it's all good! He knows that it's going to make us stronger as we learn to battle. And He knows He's going to move in at the end of the battle and complete us. He's going to settle us down. I like how the New Living Translation says it, "...So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation."
God comes in at the end and rescues us. He restores us. He comforts us. He supports us. He strengthens us. He settles us. I love that about God. It's something to look forward to at the end of a long, hard battle.