Perseverance

 Perseverance

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8 NASB) [Emphasis Added].

The word translated perseverance above has the nuance of patient endurance (Strongs). The King James Bible translates that word as patience. If you think about it, the battle against sin really does require a good deal of patient endurance. Mortification of the flesh, this side of heaven, is a never ending battle. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not (Romans 7:18 NASB). Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:24-25 NAS95).

Can you hear the anguish in Paul’s words? He wants to do good, but sin is a constant hindrance. Paul knows the only deliverance from this battle is to be with the Lord in heaven. However, he knows he must continue the fight until that blessed day.

This battle is yours too. You must press on to the end. 

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near (James 5:7-8 NAS95).

And know this: “ . . . We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NAS95).

Heavenly Father, we grow weary at times for the battle against sin is unrelenting. Give the grace needed to not give into temptations. Burn into our hearts the hope of heaven and your glorious presence. Help us to see our lives as a vapor and eternity as our future. Thank You Lord for loving us! Amen.