1 Peter 5:1-11

1 Peter 5:1-11
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Are you a leader in the church? Be careful how you lead and you will be rewarded. 
 
⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

It's not easy to submit.  However once one begins to learn humility it becomes easier.  As one who always had to "win", I have learned how much stress that caused.

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Verse 6 was so helpful to me when going through my divorce.  I did not want it and never thought it would happen to me.  With God help I was able to forgive.  With God's help I am healing.  With God's help I am seeing a life I never thought possible.  It took time.  God's time.  This has helped me in dealing with unemployment.  Not having a job is the pits, but I know God, in his time will provide my needs.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ 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.

We are not to go through life on auto pilot.  We are to be aware that we have an enemy who is looking for ways to destroy our lives.  When we are alert we can avoid places that would make us vulnerable to attack.  Or we can see the attack coming and resist.  One advantage of belonging to a church and regular attendance is that you will see that other brothers and sisters in Christ also struggle with the same things you do. 

¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

When God is ready you will be restored.  Remember everything you go through is by Him and for you good.

God Bless.