With the uncertainty of life, we can know that: It's A Sure Thing

Before the sophisticated internet scams and tricky telephone rip off artists became more widespread in society, slick talking sales people would meet with you in person. They would get you to invest in some latest and greatest product, “ground floor” entry level stocks, a multi-level marketing venture, or a “golden opportunity” lucrative business deal. Whether or not it was a ponzi scheme or a blatant scam, the convincing line (lie) would be, “You can’t fail; it’s a sure thing.” Unfortunately, billions of dollars have been lost by people who sincerely wanted to just better their life. Most people are now distrustful of anyone who tells them “It’s a sure thing”. Their comeback remark would be, “There is nothing sure but death and taxes.” I heard this phrase often as I was growing up from family members and I can only assume they had gotten ripped off and were trying to teach me not to be gullible. So, I grew up basically believing there was no such thing as a sure thing.

    Imagine my surprise when I came across this verse in 2 Peter 1:10: Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall.  I had to read this verse several times to be able to comprehend what it was actually saying.  It really does make an absolutely amazing and astonishing statement, doesn’t it?  Make your calling and election sure and you shall never fall.  The word fall here means to trip, fail, or stumble.  I don’t know about you, but I have failed in my faith and been tripped up by the devil more times than I could count.  But God’s Word tells us it does not have to be that way.  Do you know what will keep us steadfast and securely on our feet in our Christian walk?  It is diligence.

     Diligence is extremely important in our lives, for we will not be able to live a victorious life without it.  We must make every effort to work relentlessly to develop the godly qualities into our lives that are found in 2 Peter 1:5-7. As a result, we will put actions to our faith, grow our character, give us love for others, and make us productive and effective in our relationship to our Lord Jesus.

     God has already given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), but these godly qualities or virtues don’t develop automatically; they require hard work.  God will empower us, but it is our responsibility to learn and grow by giving ourselves to the Word more diligently than ever before.  It won’t be easy, but it is so worth the effort in order to have a guaranteed victorious faith walk.

     Therefore, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for by doing these things, (actively developing these virtues), you will never trip, stumble, fall or fail. And since you have God’s immutable Word on it – IT’S A SURE THING!