Courage & Endurance

We have been going through 1 Peter the last few weeks in BSF and it has been powerful for me.  I relate a lot to Peter- his tenacity and zeal, his passion that sometimes precipitates action without the involvement of wisdom, his high "highs" and low "lows," his history of denying the One whom he loved, the ways God redeemed aspects of his character that once led to sin and then led to faithful leadership of the Church... so my first reaction in studying 1 Peter was, "why the heck haven't I spent more time with this guy??"  Once I got beyond my foolishness in that regard, I have been really challenged by Peter's words of Truth.

As you might know, I love it when people are blunt and honest.  So something like 1 Peter 4:12, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." resonates with me.  How much more straightforward could he be?!  I am prone to think that it is odd when my life is filled with struggles, but Peter implies that it would be odd if "the fiery trials" never came!  But he doesn't leave us there.  The next verse starts with two powerful words that we see all over Scripture- "But rejoice..."  Peter corrects our reaction and directs our action.  (That was super cheesy, I know, but it just came to me!)

I am constantly challenged to have the courage to walk the path that Christ walked- especially when it includes "sharing in His sufferings"- and way more than that, to have the endurance to keep doing it day after day.  One thing I am learning, though, is that the strength to do it comes in rejoicing.  Rejoicing isn't something that comes after ___.  Over and over again, the Bible tells us to rejoice FIRST- because our reason for rejoicing is in what has already been accomplished.  And knowing that the victory has already been won is what empowers us to step forth courageously and enduringly.

It just came to me (literally right now as I was typing) that Hebrews 12:1-3 and 12:12-13 relate perfectly (!!)...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

As I strive to live like this more and more in my own life, I also endeavor to lead the kids I work with in such a way.  It seems like our society no longer values the "virtues" of courage and endurance.  But for the kids in my neighborhood to survive, they have to discover and cultivate these characteristics in their own lives.  I pray that it is born out of a spirit of rejoicing, but regardless I am committed to empowering them to face their fears and step forth boldly into a life that is bigger than their circumstances allow, and to do it day after day after day.  Today we got to take them rock climbing, in hopes that it might be a tangible example of all this.  I was moved and inspired by their triumphs today.

I was also amused by their usual goofiness!