When I was going through a serious illness, my sister sent me a card that read, “When the going gets tough, the tough put on waterproof mascara.” She even included a tube of waterproof mascara.
That saying has become a motto for me when I’m going through a tough time.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts to “do the right thing,” suffering smacks us in the face—things like:
- Physical illness
- Relationship issues
- Financial instability
- Injustice
The Apostle Peter was well-acquainted with all kinds of suffering when he wrote his first epistle. As the early church endured persecution, Peter told believers not to be surprised when problems broadsided them. Then he counseled them on how to respond to adversity.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)
When suffering confronts us, sometimes we react with pride.
We might hide the hurt or downplay the heartache.
We may even shake our fists at God.
“God, how could you let this happen to me?”
But Peter tells us to humble ourselves before God. It’s okay to curl up in the Father’s lap, so to speak, and tell him how much we hurt.
Then we give our worries to God, trusting in His care for us.
It’s okay to cry. But we needn’t crumple up in a little ball and give up. God will lift us up at the proper time.
When we’re weak and vulnerable, we may be tempted to give in to despair. But Peter encourages us to stand firm.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)
Peter’s message reminds me of the “waterproof mascara” card. It tells me, “Go ahead and cry, but don’t retreat or accept defeat.”
Putting on mascara, for me, means I’ve moved past my weak, won’t-get-out-of-bed self. Past my lazy, lounging-on-the-couch-self. Past my “don’t-come-near-me-I-don’t-want-to see-you” self.
I’m ready to meet the world, face its challenges, and fulfill my responsibilities.
Maybe you don’t wear mascara. But as you persevere despite your problems, I encourage you to adorn yourself with hope.
Don’t give up!
Remember, your times of suffering won’t last forever. God promises to restore you, strengthen you, and set you back on your feet.
“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.” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)
I love that phrase: “after you have suffered a little while.” Suffering won’t last forever.
If you’re hurting, go ahead and cry out to the Father. Cast your cares on Him. But stand firm. Don’t crumple. Better days are ahead.
