Elders are to shepherd the flock willingly, not with a strong hand, but with a strong character, being a good example.

We are to be humble and treat each other with humility. We don’t think we know it all. We know we know nothing, can do nothing, and have nothing apart from Christ.

We humble ourselves, not just before others, but before God.

When God is moving in your life and there is a struggle, we wait. We wait under His mighty hand. We don’t struggle to get out from under it. We humble ourselves. We know we don’t know best.

We put our burdens on the Lord. He doesn’t abandon us in those times. He’s not silent or distant. Pray. Put your cares into His hands. He cares.

But we wait. The enemy wants to attack when we are weak. In times of trial, the devil has motivation to try and get you to waver in faith. We resist him by submitting to God.

We hold fast the faith. We know God is good and in control and that none of what’s going on means we are separated from God’s love.

We know we are part of the Body and we aren’t the only ones suffering. There is fellowship in suffering, with Christ first and foremost.

God has His purposes, and God has His timing. After “a little while” God will restore you. He will confirm, strengthen, and establish you. God’s grace will be sufficient through the whole thing, and there is not just an end to the trouble, but a double portion on the other side. God restores us into His glorious purposes.

Trust God and wait on Him. There is an end. We aren’t left in the same struggle forever.

And even in the cases where we are left with the trial, it is for our blessing. Think of Paul and his “thorn.” It, at first, was something he was begging to have removed. Then it turned into him rejoicing in it. He realized his weakness allowed God’s strength to work through Him. It was for his blessing and the blessing of others.

There is purpose. Give thanks. Rejoice. Wait on the Lord. Know He is good. Always good.