I have read and re-read 1 Peter during the past few months as I sit in waiting rooms, chemo chairs, and car pool lines while the salty taste of the unknown looms ever so closely the air. I retreat to 1 Peter. Oh Peter. What were you like? I can only imagine following Christ in all his humility, perfect mercy, God man emotions; it would be hard to be Peter. A man. Not God man. A sinner. Not perfect. I am eager to meet Peter one day.
Peter's pen, which often looks like one big run-on sentence (take a breath dear Peter) not only attends to my soul during this difficult season, but it challenges my ability to neglect my own needs and cast my eyes towards the needs of others. Hard. Very hard. Oh selfish heart why do you ponder so about your own desires when so clearly there are many who suffer far worse fate? My heart is new. Made alive by the blood shed on the crucifix just 30 short years prior to Peter picking up his pen to write these words. My heart is alive in Christ. Many cannot claim this union with their Savior and King.
Looking inward: As I read 1 Peter I also must view my own heart, my actions, my life. 1 Peter 1:13 says, "Gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct."
Where is my hope found? I have struggled with this daily. My HOPE is not found in my kids, my parents, chemo, drugs, my husband, surgery, friends... my hope MUST be found in HIS COMING! Wow. that is stinking awesome.
So read 1 Peter. Its a good read indeed.
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