I remember watching my one-year-old granddaughter as she took her first tottering steps. Using every ounce of strength, she pulled herself up and gripped the edge of the coffee table with her soft little hands. She moved one chubby foot, then another, trying to advance around the table. Then Remy, a black-and-brown mixed-breed dog who was three times her size, came barreling through the living room, knocking her down.
She let out a little whimper that evolved into a wail, and her dad scooped her up. He hushed her cries, set her on her feet again, and steadied her. His big hands held her tightly until she regained her strength.
Most of us can relate to the feeling of being knocked down.
Illness strikes.
Accidents happen.
Inconsiderate people interrupt our plans and impede our progress.
We’re blindsided by pandemics, economic downturns, and natural disasters.
We find ourselves asking, “Why did this happen to me?” Yet Scripture tells us not to be surprised.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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.” (1 Pet. 5:8-10 ESV)
The apostle Peter offered this advice to the persecuted church (and to all of us who desire to live for Christ):
Be alert!
Stepping out in faith doesn’t mean we adopt a rash or careless approach. We are to exercise wisdom and prudence and to guard against temptation. We are to remember we have an enemy who wants to see us fail.
Be aware!
Suffering, struggles, and setbacks are part of the normal Christian experience. When we’re knocked down, we needn’t feel like it’s because we’ve done something wrong. Sometimes opposition comes because we’re doing the right thing.
Be assured!
We can rest in the assurance that our loving heavenly Father notices our suffering. He has a glorious future planned for us. And right now, he sees our suffering. (I love that God says it will only be for a “little while.”) After a little while, he’ll restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.
Additionally, You can read the rest at the Glorious Table:
https://theglorioustable.com/2023/02/what-to-do-when-you-get-knocked-down/
