“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness 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 and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1: 3-4
Gotta love Peter. Of all the disciples, I identify with Peter most. He's the guy who always says something when he doesn't know what to say. He's the doer; "Jesus, let me walk on the water to you" (Matt. 14: 22-23), or "Hey guys, let's build three shelters here on the mount of Transfiguration" (Matt 17:4). Peter's the action man, Sometimes his choices are wise and thoughtful---other times they are devastatingly foolish.
So when Peter talks about action, I listen. This man learned how to follow Christ like I am learning to follow Christ, by putting to death his pride and impetuousness, by watching his words, by constantly checking his heart. Peter and I share lots of stopping points on our sanctification journey.
Fortunately for me, Peter left a good map behind. Here in 2 Peter 1:3-4, he tells me how to travel. The journey to becoming like Christ is fueled by God's own divine power. Jesus'example (His glory and goodness) is the key to the map, and His great and precious promises fill my gas tank along the way. Combined, these gifts give me all I need to move into God's callings and through this broken world with grace and strength.
Remembering those gifts is the hardest part for me. When I am suffering, struggling, or sad, I find them easy to forget. Peter's example helps me there too. In Acts, we see him closely connect to the Church in the form of other believers. He references Scripture throughout his preaching and teaching. He takes Jesus redemptive call to serve--to "feed My sheep," very seriously. His words abound with prayer and praise.
The faucets of prayer, Bible study, connecting with the Body of Christ through His Church, and serving others need to be turned wide open in my life. They give me access to the divine power, the living water of Jesus Christ, I need to live out each day.
How open are your faucets?
Which faucet do you need to open wider?
How can you commit to change here? Set an intentional weekly goal, large or small, that will help you open that channel to Jesus Christ. Write it down!