But here is what I discovered. You probably have discovered this to. That first step, which at the time, seems all encompasing, and it really is, is really the first big step followed by alot of smaller steps. Because every step of spiritual growth is an act of surrender.

What we believe affects our view of God. Relationships, marriage, parenting, hope, how we respond to struggles and trials. How do we answer the deepest questions about life. What we beieve affects all of that. Your mind matters. Your thoughts matter. Your thoughts today are going to affect the kind of person you are going to become tomorrow.

God has called us to live sanctified lives that demonstrated His life within us.

And so Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes a letter about how God has a plan and purpose for history and a plan and purpose for our lives. God even uses suffering and spiritual warfare as a means to reveal His grace to us and to stregnthen us and to empower us.

We have brothers and sisters who are really facing struggles. So when we face struggles, we need to let that be a reminder to not only pray for ourselves but to pray for one another.

Whatever you are facing right now; whether it's in your personal spiritual life or your finances or your marriage or with your kids or just some life confusion. Regardless of what might be pressuring you to give up or to cave in, there is a word from God that gives hope to stand firm.

God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. You want to experience God's grace, walk in humility. You want God as your enemy, be prideful.

You see, God has placed spiritual leaders and all of us are to have an attitude of teachable, humble submission to our spiritual leaders. And it's for our benefit to do that.

Peter says in 1 Peter chapter 5, "Listen, when times are hard and tough, you not only need a strong faith, you need to be a part of a community of faith that's served by Godly servant leaders."

We need to be a part of community of faith that's led by Godly servant leaders! God's looking for leaders, the church needs leaders, you as a congregation deserve servant leaders!