Most of us in Christian circles have heard something about perseverance (also referred to Biblically as endurance). We know that 2 Peter 1:6 says that perseverance brings godliness and that it's an important quality to have. We know or have heard of someone who seems to have mastered perseverance, like Paul, William Tyndale, or even the persecuted church. Sometimes we think that perseverance is this big thing that only super Christians can do.
But how do we actually develop perseverance?
But how do we actually develop perseverance?
I think the answer lies in 2 Peter 1:3:
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Because Christ gave us life, we have a knowledge of Him that only He can reveal to us. And it's through that knowledge that He enables us to escape corruption that comes from evil desires as He makes us more like Him. So, Paul tells us to strive to supplement our faith with certain qualities in order to be useful and fruitful in our relationship with Him; much in the same way we take vitamins and eat healthy foods in order to be in good shape, rather than overindulge or be undernourished. He goes on to list the qualities that are important for our spiritual growth: knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Even though we know that God has given us all the tools needed to develop perseverance, sometimes we imagine obstacles we think we cannot overcome. Maybe it's because sometimes we assume that we have no resources to overcome them, or because we think that our own perseverance is inferior to someone else's, or even because we're discouraged by the circumstances we're in. I know it's hard; it is for me. But the truth is that God has given us the tools we need to persevere. If God has given you all the grace (Romans 5:1-2), wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-7) and the strength (Psalms 18:32-32) needed for perseverance, then you simply don't need anything else. Trust that He can help you use those things for His glory. Step forward and do the thing that God has put in front of you to do. And as you do it, pray. Ask God to help you accomplish that good work with assurance that He can use it for His Name's sake.
"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Because Christ gave us life, we have a knowledge of Him that only He can reveal to us. And it's through that knowledge that He enables us to escape corruption that comes from evil desires as He makes us more like Him. So, Paul tells us to strive to supplement our faith with certain qualities in order to be useful and fruitful in our relationship with Him; much in the same way we take vitamins and eat healthy foods in order to be in good shape, rather than overindulge or be undernourished. He goes on to list the qualities that are important for our spiritual growth: knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Even though we know that God has given us all the tools needed to develop perseverance, sometimes we imagine obstacles we think we cannot overcome. Maybe it's because sometimes we assume that we have no resources to overcome them, or because we think that our own perseverance is inferior to someone else's, or even because we're discouraged by the circumstances we're in. I know it's hard; it is for me. But the truth is that God has given us the tools we need to persevere. If God has given you all the grace (Romans 5:1-2), wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-7) and the strength (Psalms 18:32-32) needed for perseverance, then you simply don't need anything else. Trust that He can help you use those things for His glory. Step forward and do the thing that God has put in front of you to do. And as you do it, pray. Ask God to help you accomplish that good work with assurance that He can use it for His Name's sake.
God has enabled you to do it.
So get ready; you never know how God will glorify Himself through that training. And when God sets another task in front of you, do it the same way; knowing that God can use that task for His glory.
Be intentional. Pray that God helps you grasp the power He has granted you.
So how do we develop perseverance? By living intentionally for our Lord and Saviour, who has delivered us from darkness and given us EVERY tool needed for life and godliness.
I pray that our God would shine through you in your perseverance.
#beintentionaltoday
Josie
So how do we develop perseverance? By living intentionally for our Lord and Saviour, who has delivered us from darkness and given us EVERY tool needed for life and godliness.
I pray that our God would shine through you in your perseverance.
#beintentionaltoday
Josie
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