The book's main theme is enduring under trials. And how do we do that? By trusting Him.
5 And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
I have always loved this following set of verses.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
But the part of that that still seems illusive to me is the part of being 'happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy'. I realize I don't really 'have that', and the reason is that I am not really living in full faith and trust of Him. I'm am realizing that same thing by the other book I am reading. I'm realizing God is changing me. He's not done with trying to conform me to His image. And the great thing is, He will never stop. He promises to continue to do that until Christ returns. He wants us to know Him as He is. We are so 'duped' by the world and seeing things through the 'world's eyes' that we don't even see Him in the everyday ways He tries to show us His power and goodness. I'm beginning to look for Him more in the everyday things. I have a long way to go, but I'm encouraged.
God won't make things easier. In fact because of Satan, everything will be harder when you follow God. Satan makes going to God harder than going to himself. We must realize this and fight anyways so that the end will be easy.
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