From Victim to Victorious!

1 Peter 5:6 advises, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."

Genuine victory begins on our knees. Why? Because triumph in the public arena is impossible until you conquer yourself—better yet, until Christ conquers you.

In a season where it seems that the promises of the Lord have yet to materialize, God is urging His church to embrace humility, positioning themselves for elevation to positions of authority and empowerment, and equipping them with the resilience to not only endure but flourish amidst persecution.

This is the essence of Peter's letters. You might wonder, "But we're not facing persecution. How does this apply?" These instructions are imperative for empowering us to lead impactful and fruitful lives.

Christians should be formidable agents of change. Yet, too often, buffeted by the storms of life, we appear weak, frail, and defeated. Our testimony defaults to a defeated narrative: "I'm just a sinner, saved by grace." Though saved by grace, this narrative lacks the victorious spirit. "I'm nobody special; there's no distinction between me and anyone else."

If this is your testimony, then it's time to reconnect with the resurrected Messiah and the power He offers! True, we're no superior to anyone else, but by God's grace, we are far from what we once were. Jesus has brought us to life, transformed us, delivered us, and healed us! We've transitioned from darkness into His marvelous light. We are more than conquerors!

So, how does our posture influence our position? Peter elucidates that to receive from God, we must position ourselves beneath His mighty hand.

His audience would have grasped that the hand of God symbolizes authority, favor, provision, and protection. To place ourselves under God's hand means acknowledging Him as our ultimate source.

Furthermore, Peter reminds believers that suffering, while not necessarily from God, can be utilized by God. Just as the apostles worshiped God for deeming them worthy to suffer, God desires all believers to recognize that times of trial offer opportunities for growth and maturity. You won't know your capacity to endure for His name's sake until you've endured. Your trial can become your testimony.

To weather your trials, seek a word from God. In Acts 27, amidst a storm, Paul imparts hope to a despairing crew because an angel conveyed God's word. Often, in our storms, we lose sight of God's promises, yet our ability to endure hinges on clinging steadfastly to His Word.

Remain under God's hand. Embrace suffering, and cling to the word of the Lord. Remember, present challenges are tomorrow's triumphs in the making. Adjust your posture accordingly.