“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).
I don’t know where that verse has been. Well, actually, it’s always been in 2 Peter, but what I mean is, how could I have missed it? All these years I’ve sweat, worried, and worked my way into a frenzy trying to “do” more and “be” more. But I needn’t have.
Do you see what it says? God has already given us everything we need for living a godly life.
Done.
Finished.
We already have everything we need. We received it as soon as we came to know Christ. We aren’t waiting for a new outpouring.
Does that fill you with hope? It does for me. It means we don’t have to strive for anything. He has already given us everything we need, without us doing one thing more. He loves us that much.
Don’t get me wrong. He wants us to praise Him, worship Him, love Him and share His love with others. He wants the very best for us. But even if we never did one of those things ever again, He has already given us everything. Doesn’t that just make you want to give back? Not because you have to in order to receive, but because you love Him and are thankful for all He has already done and already given.
Amazing.
When was the last time you had a revelation about God’s amazing love for you and His faithfulness to you? I’d love to hear about it.
This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. With a highly unpleasant and very lethal illness, It’s easy to wonder exactly where God is, and why He seems NOT to care.
Adding severe joint pain and – ugh – incontinence to an almost intolerable upper-abdominal pain really messed with my head. I was used to the one, sort of…but the ‘new arrivals’ have not been welcome. To say the least.
God is here, but His love is being expressed through a stiffening of my character to take this, and remain positive. he’s certainly not gentle about it. The still, small voice has been replaced by a drill instructor, the “old school” kind.
I want to give up sometimes, and I hear this voice…
GET. UP.
NOW!
Andrew, I am so sorry for your physical pain. I have been there and I can certainly understand the pain “messing with your head.” It is certainly hard to remain positive despite adversity. Don’t be afraid to share your pain with God. While He does want to increase our perseverance and our faith, He does not want to harden our hearts. Please don’t give up…instead, give Him your burden. Praying for you!
A great reminder that He is ALL, so I in Him can do what He has called me to do! This morning in church, our pastor said, “As we measure ourselves by Christ’s Standard, we will be ourselves.” – Dr. Rickey Hargrave.
Thanks Michelle!
The perfect standard to measure ourselves against. He gives such grace when we fall short. Thanks for stopping by!
LOVE this verse. Thanks for bringing to our attention today.
Thanks for the reminder Michelle! It is so easy to forget that when we get busy. The Lord is indeed our shepherd and we shall not want for a thing!
I’m so thankful that God doesn’t mind gently reminding us of these truths. Thanks for stopping by Kim and Sabine!!