"And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever." (NCV)
What is God saying?
Even though God's followers suffer in this world, because of God's grace everything will turn out right. God will see us through our sufferings so that when we come out on the other side we will be able to share in Christ's eternal glory.
What is God saying to us today?
So many Christians get the idea in their heads that, by following God, life will be pretty smooth. When tragedy strikes we are tempted to think that God doesn't care about us, that He doesn't love us, and/or that He doesn't even exist. Many Christians turn their backs on God, because they are disappointed at the bad things they experience. But, the Bible is filled with example of God's followers having really bad stuff happen. In fact, following God seems to be more of a guarantee of difficulty than ease. That is why we need to remember that even though we suffer, God promises that He will make everything right. Perhaps not in this life, but, if we let Him, He will give us the support we need to make it through this sin-filled life into a glorious eternity.
What is God inviting us to do?
Have you ever felt like giving up on God because of the trials you've faced or are facing? God invites us to cling to Him through it all, to not lose our faith, because it is our faith that will turn our temporary sufferings into eternal glory.