Oh Peter!

I finished 1 Peter and so here are some thoughts from the end.

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 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. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:5-11)

v.5-7 let us all humble ourselves so that grace will be given and in that we shall see this grace bestowed on each of us. Let us not lose sight of grace, of the grace to be given to us.
v.8-9 Resist Satan and his lies, let us all stand firm together in Christ for you and me and all our brothers/sisters are suffering too. But remember this is a good thing though our fleshy sight can't perceive it as such.
v.10-11 what is meant by a 'little while' for even Peter I don't think knows, but God does and promises...you will be restored for God's glory to make you strong, firm and steadfast.

If I had not suffered for more than a year of depression I would not have been so joy-filled, life-embracing, God trusting, and thankful for each of you as I am today. If I had not suffered through planter-fasciitis and my freak bruise a couple summers ago and my struggles with running I would not love it as much as I do now, I would not be as thankful for God granting desires. If I had not along with 60 brothers and sisters undergone suffering of sickness, heat, mockery and what not I would not be as close to God as I am now. If I had not accepted Jesus into my heart 2 years ago I would not be running with you now. If I had not denied myself and took up my cross daily I would not be where I am today. Oh praise God for his abundant grace and love. What he has done in us and what he will do today, tomorrow, this weekend, this semester, this year...

with kisses and love I end this
"greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ" - 1 Peter 5:14