Turning False Starts Into a Fruitful Life Full of HopeSample

To stay on track, we must have self-control. It's not about suppressing our passions, but about allowing reason to guide them. Self-control helps us resist temptation, build good habits, and live better.

The original word used for patience - "hypomonē" - refers to firmness and resistance. It does not mean opposing something, but rather being willing to pay the price to support it. Imagine climbing a ladder that leans against a solid wall. Self-control helps you climb up, but the firmness and strength of the wall is needed to withstand the weight and pressure so that you don't fall. Peter shows us one aspect of discipline, which is self-control and patience. Just like fruits, achieving positive outcomes in life also takes time and requires discipline. In the past, I struggled because I did not know how to honor this process.

In this passage, the word devotion is repeated in another form as "eusebia," which means sincere piety. This sincere quest to be closer to God helps us discover truths that transform us. Devotion allows us to enjoy God's company and run to Him when we fail or thank Him when we overcome. Success or failure is irrelevant; what matters is our longing to be close to Him. Living a life of godliness helps us develop our character for eternity and teaches us how to cherish everlasting relationships. These relationships produce meaningful outcomes that hold significance beyond our time on Earth. I refer to God's presence in our journey as "Grace." What guides our decisions? How do we handle negative emotions, such as guilt, fear, shame or pressure? Do we find solace in our faith in God?

Let us pray: "God, help me to fall more in love with You. You know me better than I know myself, and You love me more than I could love You. Help me to get to know You better so that I can make wise decisions. Allow me to move forward with a heart full of expectation and the right attitude, confident in what You will do in the process." Amen.