2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
Perseverance...that quality of doggedly pursuing a goal, despite "difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement" (from dictionary.com). This is the next characteristic that Peter teaches us to build on our foundation of faith. It's interesting that finding faith in Christ doesn't mean the end of "difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement". I remember a scene in the most recent Rocky movie (just made over the past few years), when the aging boxer is counseling his wayward son. He tells him that what really counts is not so much the victories as it is how you respond when you get knocked down. And his specific advice was to "get back up and keep moving ahead" every time you get decked. When we were reunited with the Lord, by acknowledging our sin and inviting Him into our lives, we overcame the first, and most important, obstacle. Evil was trying to keep us from an eternity with our Creator...and we claimed a great victory as faith was awakened. Now that our Heavenly home awaits, Evil is trying to keep us from being effective as agents of God...to prevent any more from finding the Truth. That is one reason that we have obstacles to overcome in our walk each day. Of course there are different kinds of challenges (sickness, failure, relationship heartaches). But perseverance says that we have a "life focus" that keeps "refocusing" every time it is jarred. Our sharp life focus is give back our energy, time and passion to the God who sent His Son from Glory to rescue us. There is no more worthy purpose. So let's keep getting up every time we are knocked down to the canvas (I suspect that if we really want to stand, He'll help us regain our feet and move forward).
blessings,
Rob Smith
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