Listen:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.”
Reflect:
Recently, I stepped into a new space of ministry and found myself at the center of a large operation. Details quickly felt like they were swirling around me, historic ways of doing things were popping out in front of me, and people were disappointed at shifts and changes occurring.
On one key day in particular, something didn’t go the way I had hoped or anticipated it would. It felt overwhelming and like all eyes were on me. In reflection of that moment, and similar subsequent moments that followed I can see that my inclination was to cast blame outside of myself in order to push away an internal feeling of failure. In a trial by fire moment, I wanted to set things on fire, instead of be fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
When I reflect on the words spoken in 2 Peter 1:3 I am reminded that the divine power of Christ is ours. Not only can it move us from wanting to destroy things and people, but it allows us a pathway of surrender to the promises of God by way of a cross-shaped bridge — a road to godliness.
While I can’t return to the moments where I was ablaze with blame, I can be confident in being equipped by the Spirit for the divinely inspired pursuit of excellence as I encounter future fires. I can hold my head high as I practice self control and steadfastness in the face of the flames. I can “hold firm” with knowledge that I’ve been created and called according to His purpose.
Prayer of Response:
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve forgotten that I’ve been redeemed from a life of corruption and sin. Fuel me with your divine power, grace, and love. Help me to live a life of higher calling, and to remain steadfast on the journey.
Questions to Ponder:
- How can we “supplement our faith with virtue”?
- In what circumstance of your life can you practice “steadfastness”?
—Submitted by: Christy Cooper
Christy and her husband Mathew live in Arcadia, California with one precocious five-year old (Eliza Mae), one precious 7-month old (Hadley Joy), and one rambunctious beagle-mix (Winnie Evangeline)! She is a lover of God’s presence and a pursuer of His truth. Currently, she serves as a ministry leader to children at her church and has a heart for young families to be built up in faith.