One of our incredible interns this summer, Jilian, began the day with an insightful devotional based on 1 Peter 5:7, 8-11. In this powerful text, Peter writes: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you…[stand] firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
We all knew this was the day we were due to rebuild a home in our community. We were expecting to get our hands dirty and to observe the challenges faced by a very vulnerable family. Our goal was to restore their home, which was literally falling down around them. As we prepared for the day, Jilian began her devotional with an insightful lesson that Paige Steele, Hope Haven’s Internship Director, shared with her a few days earlier.
Jilian said, “Paige reminded me that just like the house we are rebuilding, the existing structure had be demolished before we could reconstruct it. The family has hope that their home will be rebuilt, but it will be a while before they get to move in. Life is like that sometimes. We suffer, but we have hope in Jesus. We know that His promises are sure. He will build a better house for us, but there is suffering along the way.”
Our timing is rarely aligned with God’s timing, but His promises are secure! The Apostle Peter’s writings assure all believers that God will “restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” We have hope in Jesus! No matter how dirty our hands get as we travel through the mud of this world, God is working in and through us for His glory and for our ultimate good!