In due time

…That he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6b).

 

IN DUE TIME

 

IT WAS A LOW time in my life. I couldn’t seem to connect with God—even though I continued to go through the motions of reading the Bible and praying. Then one day it “popped out” at me—“that he may lift you up in due time.” It was as if I had never read

the words before! I kept reading. I may even have had a conversation with God as I read:

 

Humble yourself. “This whole thing is pretty humbling, God. I’m feeling very vulnerable.”

 

Cast all your anxiety on him. “I’m trying, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”

 

He cares for you. “Thanks for the reminder. I really do believe that.”

 

Your enemy the devil prowls around. “So he’s at the heart of the problem!”

 

Resist him, standing firm in the faith. “It only seems fair that I should put some effort into this.”

 

Your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. “I’m

sorry that they are suffering, God, but it certainly helps to know I’m not alone.”

 

And the God of all grace...will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast “Wow! What a great promise.”

 

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. “Father, I give You the praise and the glory for what You’re going to do—now and always.”

 

He kept His promise. I’m still keeping mine.

—Bonnie Grau