The fact that nearly two thousand years have passed does not invalidate it. God s desire to see as many saved as possible is what is holding back the return of Christ. God has established a time for the return of Christ and when that time comes He will return to take the Believer's home. In verses 8 through 11 he encourages the Believer to live as Jesus asked us to. Peter mentions several things that should be evident in our lives.
Prayer is number one.
God wants constant communication with us in prayer. Then acts of the emotions and physical acts come after prayer. A loving, forgiving attitude for the mistakes of others, comes right after prayer. These gifts cover a variety of things such as encouraging those in trouble, helping some financially if you are able, comforting words to the sick or bereaved, ministry through music, preaching the gospel to the un-saved. Believers have many gifts to share.