Living Ready: Perseverance

The road is narrow. The fire is real. The end is sure. Here’s what I mean. Jesus informs us that even in the religious sphere, there are two paths — one is broad and easy but leads to condemnation; the other is narrow and hard but leads to life (Matt 7:13-14). Furthermore, Jesus also informed us that the pathway to life would be paved with difficulty (Matt 11:12; Luke 13:24; John 16:33). Likewise, Jesus informed us that the end is sure, though the date is known only to the Father (Matt 24:36). In his first and second epistles, Peter picks up on these very teachings as he writes to the church.

Building on these teachings, Peter is writing to the church, which is under immense pressure — misunderstood, maligned, and tested. Contrary to what might be instinctual, removing your hand from the flame, he calls for endurance: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pet 5:10) It is about perseverance, which is not merely survival, but steady faith under pressure.

With this context in mind, resistance—the pressure—is to be expected: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…” (1 Pet 4:12) Fiery trials will come and our interpretation of these are vitally important — these are not the interruptions of a Christian life, rather, they are part of the refinement of said life (1 Pet 1:6-7).

This means that genuine faith does not cave in; it is clarified—perseverance is the evidence of such. But to endure, we must be intentional. For this reason, Peter gives a prescription for a strong faith in 2 Peter 1:5-6. Perseverance is not something that is accidental; it is cultivated. Like a wall, it is built brick by brick, layer by layer—it is choice by choice. To this prescription comes the promise—practice leads to stability, which leads to entrance into the eternal kingdom (2 Pet 2:10-11).

In light of all this, Peter concludes with a warning and encouragement. The warning: take care and do not lose your stability (2 Pet 3:17). The encouragement: continue growing in the knowledge and grace of Christ (2 Pet 3:18). To live ready is to keep going. Resist the devil (1 Pet 5:8-9). Stand firm in the true grace of God (1 Pet 5:12). Be constant, even when it is costly. Keep going.