I Peter 5  Peter tells the "elders" to "shepherd the flock of God".  They are to serve voluntarily.. with eagerness.. as examples.  They are not to lord it over the flock... nor seek "sordid gain". They serve as Peter, himself served.. to the glory of the "Chief Shepherd", Jesus Christ, who is coming again.. 

Peter exhorts everyone.. to "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another" .   He emphasized this in verse 6 "Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you."   

The life of a believer is not easy.  There are many challenges that come our way.  Peter is teaching the followers of Christ how to live Christ-like lives..  In humility.... and in constant awareness that God has it all in His control.  God sees the adversary who wants to devour the flock.  He sees the suffering.. and the temptations that we face. He wants us to remember that we have a "Living Hope".. and an eternal inheritance.. 

"And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 

"To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen". 

Father in heaven, we are Your children, called by Your will, made new through the blood of Jesus Christ who suffered and died as the atonement for our sins.  We have not suffered as He did... but we do suffer, for life presents us with trials and temptations. The enemy harasses us and the world hates us.  But, You are for us. We can cast every care upon You, because You care for us. We come before You humbly, knowing that we are not worthy of anything that You have promised.. but so thankful that Your grace is so much greater than our sin.  Thank You for the powerful salvation that we have in Christ Jesus, our Lord and King.  May all glory and honor be given to Him.. forever and ever. Amen.