Spring of Renewalਨਮੂਨਾ

We know trials, obstacles, hardships, and even resistance to our mission is coming. These things are non-negotiable—they’re part of the work we’re each called to. We shouldn’t be surprised by them, nor should we be derailed. Jesus foreknew the trials that were coming, and he has promised to give us what we need in them if we come to him.

We have a terrific example of this in the disciple Peter, who we see Jesus restoring and commissioning for the work he was called to. Later in his life, Peter shares some of his insights with us in 2 Peter 1:3-9 NIV:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, 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. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."

The phrase “make every effort” feels like a nugget of wisdom that Peter is passing along, spoken from a place that understands the importance of returning to the spring of living water. What an opportunity to be renewed over and over again! Our faith in Christ doesn’t depend on our being perfect and thinking we must walk through life alone. We pursue God. A daily adventure and a constant moving forward in our faith, together.

Prayer

Father, thank you that we can come to you and be renewed. You created me to be in relationship with you. In seasons of joy and in seasons of sorrow. When things are calm and when things are chaotic. Remind me that when life’s uncertainties come, you promise to give me all I need if I call and depend on you. Help me remember that you, Jesus, are my living water, the spring that never goes dry, my only source of strength. Amen.