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

Be alert and of sober mind.(D) Your enemy the devil prowls around(E) like a roaring lion(F) looking for someone to devour. Resist him,(G) standing firm in the faith,(H) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(I)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(J) to his eternal glory(K) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(L) will himself restore you and make you strong,(M) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(N)

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So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers[a] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:9 Greek your brotherhood.

6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

He Gets the Last Word

8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

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