2 Peter 1 2-6 – “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

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,⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness”

When God speaks of steadfastness here, it is right in the middle of the list of virtues for Christian growth.  I don’t think that is an accident.  If I could have one hope for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ who are following after God today, it would be that their life would be marked by steadfastness.

Steadfastness is birthed out of faith, and a mind’s robust understanding and knowledge of God.  It is the ability of a heart’s affections and desires to be unmovable when life circumstances are difficult or when you are confronted with challenges to your faith.  It includes being able to return to Christ in repentance amidst your failures rather than running away from Him, because your heart is rooted in the promises of God in the gospel.

How do we do this?  If we believe that God is true, and that we are saved through Jesus, then we look first to what God has revealed to us.  Every day, bring your questions and brokenness to God, and read your Bible asking God to give you understanding and help.  Where you read in your Bible doesn’t matter nearly as much as simply coming to God in faith, asking Him to speak to you, and looking to His Word for Him to do it.  “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deut 8:3/Matt 4:4)

Beyond this, God encourages our steadfastness with His people.  We seek out other Christians who know God’s Word, are submitting their lives to Him from it, and who can encourage us in the knowledge of God.  Ephesians 4:9-12 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  Don’t try to cultivate deep relationships with 10 people.  I can’t, you can’t.  Relationships take time and vulnerability.  This can’t happen with a large group, but it can with 2 or 3.  Make that a priority, and exercise judgment in who those people are – believing that these people are a gift of God, that He will use to sustain your faith.  

Stay encouraged, we never run this race alone, but God is with us and for us.  Look to Christ daily, and you will find your rest in Him.

Grace and Peace,

Adam