I Peter 5:10-11 - HOW TO SURVIVE A VALLEY - Part 3 of 3 - INSPIRATION!

II. `GOD PROVIDES AN INSPIRATION! I Peter 5:10-11

When I preach my “How to Survive a Valley” message, this would be my final point in a three point message. In this passage, God offers an “INSPIRATION” as to why we should CAST our cares on Him and RESIST the devil. It is our inspiration to “Hang in There!”

When you enter a valley, keep in mind that there is another side of that valley. Many of the things that we experience will pass and we will come out of that valley. Now I know. some things will never change and the valley will not end until we stand in the presence of Jesus. The loss of a loved one will not end in this life. Some illnesses or physical conditions will not end until death. But most situations will pass and as I have said many times, “There is Sunshine after the Rain!” This invitation is intended to create Hope for the believer.

In this passage in I Peter 5, in the King James version reads, “ 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, (may He) make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” In the KJV, it appears to be in the form of a Request. But, in the original language, the four words; Perfect, Confirm, Strengthen, and Establish are used in a “Future” tense. This passage is definitely a Promise - Not a Prayer! As a believer, you can count on this promise.

Here are the literal translations of the four actions that God Promises to us:
Perfect = Repair, Restore, to Perfect, and to Complete you.
Stablish = To Establish you and Confirm you.
Strengthen = To make you stronger - This is the only place in the bible that this word is used. It implies a personal touch and involvement of the hand of the Lord.
Settle = The picture here is the Lord creating a firm foundation and then placing you on that foundation.

When it comes to going through a Valley, here are two passages that I have personally held in my heart:
Romans 8:18 (The Message) 18-21 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times.
Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation)28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
See you next week, MRQ

1 Peter 5:6-7 - HOW TO SURVIVE A VALLEY - Part 2 of 3 - The INVITATION

II. `GOD PROVIDES AN INVITATION! I Peter 5: 6-11: "HUMBLE" & “CAST”

When I preach my “How to Survive a Valley” message, this would actually be point number One. In this passage, God offers an “Invitation” first. Then He follows it with an ”Instruction” and, as you will read next week, He concludes by offering an “Inspiration”.

You are free to apply the admonition of this passage to whatever is bringing you anxiety. Whether it has to do with health, relationships, finances, or something totally unique to you or your world; The principle will apply in any case. But, this passage was written specifically to believers, experienced or new, who were anxious about being most effective in ministry to others.

Before we look at the two words which comprise the Invitation, let’s look at verse 5: All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. The Greek word used here is Egkomobosasthe for “clothe yourselves” from the root word; “kombos” which means a “knot”. This action is more than slipping on humbleness like slipping on your work pants and a shirt. This means to Tie on humbleness like a slave ties on a work apron or as Jesus did, wrap and tie on a towel to do Service.

Now, the INVITATION is to do two things: Humble & Cast

HUMBLE: Place yourself “Under God’s Mighty Hand”; a symbol of “Discipline” and “Deliverance”. What does this look like? Ready to do WHAT HE WANTS; WHEN HE WANTS IT DONE; THE WAY HE WANTS IT DONE. And, if I might be so bold as to add, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!!

CAST: This is a fascinating word for study. There are eighteen, yes 18, different words in the New Testament alone that mean “CAST” but each one has a very distinctive and unique meaning. For example: A drug dealer might “Cast” drugs out the window to get rid of evidence. A sailor might “Cast” a net to reel it back in to catch fish or “Cast” cargo overboard to save the ship in crisis. But the word used here is “Epiripto” which does not mean “Cast off” but means “Cast upon”. Besides here, it is used in one other place in the bible. In Luke 10:35, it describes the placing of the blankets on the colt so that Jesus might come aboard and be with and upon the colt. It enables a bond that unites. Like a saddle blanket, it allows Jesus to carry you.

Thus, the INVITATION, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

And, Oh how much He cares for you!

Matthew 10:29-31 (The Message Bible)

^29-31"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.

1 Peter 5:8-9 - HOW TO SURVIVE A VALLEY - Part 1 of 3 - INSTRUCTION

I. GOD PROVIDES AN INSTRUCTION!
I Peter 5: 6-11: "... like a roaring lion looking for someone to "DEVOUR"

From this passage, I have always pictured a fierce lion ripping and tearing his victim limb from limb as the victim fights valiantly and hopelessly to break free. I envision a strong and powerful adversary that no human could physically resist or overcome. He can tear his prey to pieces and chew it up and eat the meat and even break bones with his awesomely powerful, vise-like jaws.

But, one of the literal translations of the word Devour is "Slurp Up". Thus, "... Like a roaring lion looking for someone to "Slurp Up". Quite a different Picture. Appropriate picture?

Think about it, in the presence of Jesus, the devil has lost all power. He is like a cat who has lost all his teeth and has been de-clawed. He has no power to tear up, rip up, or chew up anything or anybody.

He is prowling around looking for people who have been beat down, discouraged, "Liquified"! Once he has beat you down, you will be like melted butter, then, and only then, he can Slurp you Up. But if you show any resistance, back bone, "Hang in Thereness", faith, or hope, he will be powerless to touch you. Thus, the INSTRUCTION, "...resist him, standing firm in the faith..."

My prayer for you is that you will realize that God is in control and no matter how tough it gets, just don't ever give up. He may Prowl and Roar, but as long as you don't "Give Up" and melt, Satan can not touch you. If you fall down, get back up and with all the faith you can muster, just Stamd! Don't ever Give Up! Don't let anyone or anything steal your dream. Stand, even, with only an ounce of Firmness! He will be left with no other alternative but to flee! MRQ