Today you should read: 1 Peter 5:1-14
Chapter 5 of 1 Peter starts off with some of the characteristics of an elder and shepherd. One common theme in these characteristics is humility, which is scary when it seems like a different mega-church pastor/author is fired or accused of being domineering and prideful every other week now. Of course it makes sense with the role of a shepherd, where they are to be tough in protecting their sheep and God’s doctrine, but tender in mercy and with people over all.
This is also the chapter in 1 Peter where God reminds us of how we are to respond with anxiety. I feel like I meet with people and counsel people on this topic more now than any other time in ministry. We are an overworked, over worried society, where anxiety runs rampant and true faith is found too far in between. And that’s not diminishing the genuine stress and worry people have in life. For some, it can be a thorn in their side as a reminder of how they need to depend on Jesus. For others, it is a mental health issue that telling them to just trust God more will not help without additional physical and medical help. But God is not lying when saying we can cast ALL anxieties on Him, even if they don’t instantly go away and He wants to teach us something through that stress and worry. He also isn’t lying when saying He CARES for us in the midst of those troublesome times. What a sweet relief in that truth alone. We’re not alone in that worry because the Creator of the Universe and Savior of our Souls CARES for us. After all, like v. 10 say:
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
This part of verse 10 really spoke to my heart today.
“So after you have suffered a little while.”
I am reading a book by Paul David Tripp titled Suffering. If you are going through a season of suffering due to medical issues, physical or emotional problems, discrimination, etc., I would encourage you to supplement your reading of scripture with Tripp’s book. God uses seasons of suffering to grow us and impact those in our world. Today’s scripture reading reminds us that our suffering is only for “a little while” even though it may seem like it’s lasting a long time. When Christ returns or calls us home all things are made new again and we will be in the presence of Jesus for eternity. Be encouraged today brothers & sisters in Christ.