Destination Restoration – May 26, 2023

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.
1 Peter 5:10,11

Destination Restoration

Many of us can look back and laugh at family road trips we took as children or with our children. They were torturous for children and parents alike. The frequent bathroom breaks. The incessant questions. “Honey, do you know where you are going?” “Do I need to pull this car over?” “Are we there yet?” The road seemed to stretch on forever and the destination forever out of reach. But once you arrived, the glory of the destination often outweighed and outshined the frustration of the journey.

Suffering during our journey through this life as we head toward heaven can be just as torturous, indeed, more so. We do not tend to look back on tough times with humor. The road of suffering seems to go on forever. The end, forever out of reach. We break down frequently. We question God incessantly. “Lord, how is this good for me? Have you forgotten about me? Can you even put a stop to this?”

The apostle Peter assures us that God can. He is still in control. His ability to act on our behalf has not run dry. He will always have the power to deliver us. Therefore, we have no right or reason to squabble with God. Regardless of how much of our life is marked with suffering (even if it is every single day of our lives), God is always the same. He is always full of grace. Always giving all his mercy to all his children. He holds nothing back.

If you doubt it, look to Jesus. Because of Jesus, you have a share in God’s eternal glory. Your days of suffering will end. And when they do, God will be there to greet you. The end of that road will reveal a destination that is extraordinary and unending in its splendor. Compared to the glories of eternal life, the sufferings of earthly life will seem little and light.

Are we there yet?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Amen.