For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

Effort for what’s ahead

“We’re down to our last log,” Keith said on Friday. “Would you help me move wood from outside into the garage?” Not a small effort since the woodpile was blocked by large ice chunks from clearing the driveway outside the garage. But we knew the polar vortex was ahead. In fact, today it’s not only what’s ahead; it’s here. 

Which made me think about effort and faith and goodness—and all those qualities that Peter listed.

When effort fails

At church, I have the honor of reading scripture, playing flute with the Worship Team, singing with the choir, and serving on the Women’s Ministry team. In all endeavors, I do pretty well. But, as far as publication, my writing effort often fails—and that’s a good thing.

From an essay-lecture written by Jorge Luis Borges titled “Blindness.” “Everything that happens, including humiliations, embarrassments, misfortunes, all have been given like clay, like material for one’s art. One must accept it. For this reason I speak in a poem of the ancient food of heroes: humiliation, unhappiness, discord. Those things are given to us to transform, so that we may make from the miserable circumstances of our lives things that are eternal, or aspire to be so.”

In other words, humility in the face of failure transforms and encourages me to be a better writer—and person. As long as I don’t separate my effort from God.

 Whose effort is it?

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-12 NIV

This is Peter’s benediction, a blessing, and fact: all power and dominion belong to God, now and forever. He will not fail. He will not yield. He will accomplish every purpose according to His own will and in His own time. God keeps His promises. This is great comfort to believers, encouragement to stand firm in faith during hard times. And in Peter’s time—and for many persecuted Christians around the world today—there were and are many hard days.

And yet, in making every effort, we often confuse God’s role and ours, or as Alistair Begg asks: Who’s effort? It’s seems like a paradox: God supplies what we need, and yet we are required to put in the effort.

Begg: “We should avoid the erroneous thinking… by concluding either that we contribute something to our salvation or that we have no need to work hard as we journey toward our heavenly home. Instead, we need first to acknowledge that we contribute nothing to salvation other than the sin from which we need to be saved, and then at the same time embrace the truth that our walk with Christ must be the single most significant aspect of our lives.”

Now, looking at the wood piled in the garage, I remember Begg’s words: “When you stand with Jesus, you will not say, ‘What a good person I was!’ You will declare, ‘What a great and mighty God I serve!’”

Effort for the promise of what’s ahead, embracing humility in failure, and knowing the truth of His goodness.

Linkup with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2025/01/16/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-effort/