Another area where I realized I was acknowledging truth but not believing to the point of expecting was the degree of sanctification and transformation that’s possible here and now.

Peter is such a great example of this. He went from someone who cut off ears and was one minute sharing amazing revelation (You are the Christ) to rebuking Christ (this shall not happen to You Matt. 16:16, 22). He went from running away and even denying that he knew Christ at all to confronting the Jews for His execution, to preaching a sermon that 3000 responded to. He went all the way to a martyr’s death not even being willing to be crucified in the same position as  Jesus.

I was convicted because I couldn’t see myself transformed to that degree, hadn’t even considered it or asked for it.

Yet such transformation is for us – here and now. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth. Peter wasn’t perfect after this, and we won’t be either, but our life can be focused on Jesus. We can believe that when He says He’s sending power – The Holy Spirit to dwell in us – He does it.

And we can believe it’s all we need for life and godliness and to be partakers of His nature (2 Peter 1:3-4)!  It’s enough for us to persevere through the trials of life and the life-long process of sanctification.

It’s worth it because He’s worth it, and He’s working in us to bring in His kingdom. It’s beyond all we could ask, think, or imagine! (Eph. 3:20)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Heb. 10:23)

Therefore, do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. (Heb. 10:35-36)