"Settled" 

1 Peter 5:10 "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered for awhile, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

This is a bit of a benediction from Peter and I am sure he is blessing us with what the Lord has blessed Him with. Life comes with some suffering, but just for awhile. Then comes the effect of suffering as it can be used to mature us. Our troubles have a way of perfecting us. The refining fire produces a precious product. Perfected in Him. Perfecting is a process and a journey not an accomplishment or destination. Established means no longer wavering, rooted and secure. Strengthened is made strong as needed. Made strong again and again for God's purposes.

Now this word "settle". Love this word. Not only perfected, established, and strengthened, but finally settled. Maybe meaning after sifting comes a settling that we should not fear. In His hands we should not fear God at work in our lives. He knows us and how to get us from here to there. By His grace, until glory I will trust Him for it all as He sees fit.

In His Service,

Pastor Fred