Click here to open the Video Devotional
2 Peter 1:6b
The definition of persevere, as listed by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus is, “to persist (as in an undertaking) in spite of difficulties.” So now, the life that one is to strive to live in Christ Jesus is starting to take shape. With an earnest and energetic effort (diligence), one should seek salvation in Christ Jesus with moral excellence (virtue) with an ever-growing (knowledge) of Christ Jesus while keeping a close watch over our words and actions (self-control). And through it all, to strive to maintain these characteristics in spite of the trials and tribulations that will be faced (perseverance).
This is a command to persevere in Christ through the trials and tribulations of this world.
We all will face trials and tribulations throughout our lives. We live in a sinful world and sinful things will happen. But we don’t have to willingly be a part of the problem as Satan wants us all to believe that we are hopelessly lost in this sinful world so we would not try to persevere through it. But God gives us the reason in His Word. Jesus is the reason; Jesus gives us life to help us through the hopelessness of this world; He gives us life eternal through His death on the cross which paid the price for our sins and gives us reason to persevere to the finish line, as the apostle Paul puts it Philippians 3:14 (NKJV), “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” And in 1 Corinthians 9:25 Paul states, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
Dear LORD,
For those who put their faith in You and Your Son Jesus, You promised to give Your Holy Spirit to be our guide through the trials and tribulations of this world, and through our perseverance and striving to reflect the qualities given as a believer You promise life eternal through salvation in Christ Jesus whom You sent to save the world from sin (John 3:16-17). Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.