“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance… ” (2 Peter 1:5b-6a)
W. Russell Maltby, a 19th century minister, once exclaimed in a sermon that Jesus promised his followers that they should be “absurdly happy, entirely fearless, and always in trouble.” Many people believe that the life of a Christian is a life of ease. This is hardly the case. Saint Paul reminds the church in Corinth of how offensive the Gospel can be when he proclaimed, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
The Greek word used in the New Testament for perseverance can be literally translated as “to walk under the load.” Peter and Paul both understood this and both illustrated a willingness to walk daily “under the load.” Neither of these men was perfect and at times the burden to proclaim the Good News drove them to their knees. However, Jesus promised his followers that one would come after him to comfort and empower during these difficult times. The Holy Spirit is God’s continual presence with each of us as we follow in the Way of Christ – preaching good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, release to the oppressed, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor. (Isa. 61:1,2)
When the load of the world becomes to heavy to carry, remember that it is on our knees, in weakness we find strength. God is waiting for you to stop trying to carry such a heavy burden alone. Allow the creator of the universe to enable you to persevere in the face of adversity. Whether you are feeling crushed, desperate, abandoned, or destroyed God is enough.
Jonathan Sullivan is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, 1201 Western Circle Dr., in Dimmitt, Texas. Join us this Sunday for worship at 10:30am. You can also watch us on our Facebook page First Baptist Church of Dimmitt. Come celebrate with us!