2 Peter 1:5-8
“But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Persevere. How do you hear this word? Is it said with an emotionless, grin-and-bear-it tone? Or do you envision someone shaking their finger, scolding, “Hold yourself together!” Either way, those are the failed methods of carnal men. But to hear God say when the road gets tough, “Come, walk with Me. You can do it – I know you can! I’ll be right beside you,” changes everything.
Christian, know this – God’s tender heart is behind every step of your growth in perseverance.
A great saint once said, “We must define our ambitions and let them glow before us as distinct and radiant goals.” You probably never thought of making perseverance a personal goal for the simple reason that it goes against our natural inclination. The fact that Scripture tells us to hold fast, press in, and not shrink back confirms our tendency to do otherwise.
What is needed is an internal decision – an activation of our will – to steadfastly obey God’s Word in every situation. Difficult? Yes. Progress will come slowly – victorious one day, failing miserably the next. But impossible? Never. We have heavenly resources to draw on, of which the world knows nothing.
The glow of perseverance is a genuine and tangible change of character. It is the fruit of consecrated choices over comfortable ones, and the desire and mark of every true believer.
How do you hear the word persevere?
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack
Have you been blessed by Pastor Jack’s Devotions? Email us now: CLICK HERE
