As we believers in Christ await His second coming, we are encouraged in 2 Peter 3 to prepare our hearts, to be ready, to be full of peace, to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. We should be maturing in our relationship with Him, even when we feel as though we’re going through a desert season, spiritually thirsty for so much more than this world provides.
I so appreciate the Amplified Bible’s version of this text:
“Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up.
“Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], [while you earnestly] look for and await the coming of the day of God. … But in accordance with His promise we expectantly await new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
“So, beloved, since you are looking forward to these things, be diligent and make every effort to be found by Him [at His return] spotless and blameless, in peace [that is, inwardly calm with a sense of spiritual well-being and confidence, having lived a life of obedience to Him].
“And consider the patience of our Lord [His delay in judging and avenging wrongs] as salvation [that is, allowing time for more to be saved]; just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him [by God], speaking about these things as he does in all of his letters. In which there are some things that are difficult to understand, which the untaught and unstable [who have fallen into error] twist and misinterpret, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
“Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
2 PETER 3:8-18 AMP
Just as a cactus can survive—even grow and thrive—in a desert environment, we too can grow and thrive with the help of the Lord during life’s dry seasons. It’s often in difficult or stagnant times that we long for more than what this world can provide, for His Kingdom to come, for all suffering to cease, to be made complete as we worship Him in person.
Even in the desert, we can praise Him. God is good and good to us always! Consider Psalm 63:
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
“So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
PSALM 63:1-8 ESV
At all times the Lord our God gives us everything we need to grow in grace, friends. Let’s make sure our lives point heavenward toward Him.
FREEBIE
This 8”x10” pdf Grow in Grace printable may be downloaded for personal use. It’s a beautiful reminder to grow in the grace of the Lord—even in life’s deserts—as we eagerly await His second coming.
Please, feel free to also print and give it as a gift! It would be a sweet addition to a photo collage wall, nursery, home office, or your desk.
In the comments below, I’d love to hear how you display or gift this new printable. Thanks, friends!
Grow in Grace Printable: Download HERE
“Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!”
2 PETER 3:18 MSG
