We each have a road to walk. Some
roads are easier than others; some are incredibly difficult. But we must
develop good character traits to make it through life. Without changes in
thinking and behavior we face the prospect of failure. To each believer Jesus
says, “Don’t waste the time I have given you. Develop character traits that
will carry you through to the end.”
“By his divine
power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life,” Peter
counseled. “We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who
called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And
because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious
promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and
escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4, NLT).
Trials can destroy us, but Christ
wants us to know that we can age gracefully with the seasons. Whatever problem
you face will either spur you onward or hold you back. Christ promises success,
but you must decide to seek direction in His Word. Without studying Scripture
you can’t know His Truth for your life. His promises are true, but if you don’t
know them, you remain in bondage. Knowledge of the Word sets you free. It gives
wings to His promises.
“For this very reason,” Peter continued, “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; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love”
(2 Peter 1:5-7, NLT). Make every effort. Not
just attempt, and then when it gets too difficult give up. You decide to add
these virtues in your life, but God provides the power and personal strength which
fosters spiritual growth and results in His agape love.
“The more you grow like this, the
more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ,” Peter imparted. We decide to grow. We decide to mature. We decide to
change. We decide to forgive. We decide to surrender to His hand, and allow Him
to mold us. He empowers our choices, and carries us in His strength. Peace is
discovered more quickly. Fear is defeated more easily. Walking the road of life
becomes easier.
“For you
know that when your faith is tested,” James wrote, “your endurance has a chance
to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you
will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1: 3-4, NLT).
When He is our strength, we lack
nothing.
© 2018 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com/2018/09/lack-nothing.html
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