Day 13: Steadfastness

A temperament and perspective that are used for the glory of God

The steadfastness that Peter refers to is anchored in an eschatological hope, the promises of the age to come (Revelation 21.1-7). This hope-centered steadfastness stands in contrast to self-sufficient, pride-filled steadfastness of the Stoics of Peter’s day, in that it places no hope in self, or in this world. Rather, our hope awaits the day when all injustice will be made right (Revelation 6.9-17) and when we can be with our heavenly Father (John 14.2). Therefore, we can maintain hope in spite of present sufferings (Romans 5.1-6). This hope is the fuel for our steadfastness, and this brings glory to God.

• Read 2 Peter 1.5-8
• In what areas of your life is God inviting you to hope-centered steadfastness?

In school. There are times when the work seems way too overwhelming and the guilt from being away from my children envelopes me. I ask myself time and time again, “Why am I doing this?” When I first met with Dr. Klipowicz and he said that I could easily finished up my MDiv in five years, I just about fell out of my chair. Five years?!?! Who’s got that kinda time? I got things to be gettin’ done… I was kinda figuring this seminary gig would last three years at the most! The eternal truth is that slow and steady wins the race… steady and steadfast. I firmly believe that God is here with me and to some degree school is suffering. Hope is my fuel… I hope I pass this test, I hope I pass on this paper, I hope I pass this class, etc. :) When it comes to school, so far it has truly become the thing that pushes my boundaries of trust in God. It has forced me to be more steadfast because of so many things that are out of my own control. I only hope that I can hang on well enough to survive the ride!

• How is God inviting you to practice steadfastness within your community?

I believe that I need to work on increasing my steadfastness in my community by being more positive about even negative situations at church. So much of my “community” is a part of my church and in recent times, we’ve been impacted by a staff member that has a particularly negative attitude toward church ministries. At times, it can be hard to keep someone’s negative feelings from impacting a particular activity and it is easy to get caught up in negative talk and disappointment. I hope to be able to use these verses in the future as a specific reason to avoid being sucked into someone else’s hopelessness.