“and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness” 2 Peter 1:6
December 8, 2025
Think of a rose that has not fully budded-out yet. Then think of your call to growth in Christ. The uniqueness of Christ and holiness of life are totally ignored and even scoffed at in our culture. Peter tells us that the believer’s life is to be one of gradually opening up to full bloom, like the rose, to set forth the beauty of the God-pleasing life. This life is lavishing furnished (“supplied” 1:5) with a daily resolve to flourish by drawing closer to God. Steadfastness is one of the petals on the flower. The idea is that of developing our staying power through hardships. This comes with an eye on the fulfillment of the promises of God (His coming kingdom). Courage and endurance amidst suffering; Illness,desertion of friends, financial pressures, family conflicts, and death itself are to be met with, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the desires of the new nature, and serious effort on our part. Oh, that God would grant us the staying power in the determination to win the battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is the ability to convert blisters into calluses. How is it going in your own life? We are not talking about grim resolve, but rather joyful trust in God.
H
Reflections: How did you experience greater trust in God in a recent personal crisis?
What kind of trials tend to give you the greatest challenge in developing spiritual endurance?