1 Peter 1.3-21
Writing to Christians who had faced severe persecution, Peter sought to encourage them in God’s truth working in and through their lives. They had faced deep trials, and more trials would come in the future. Living for Christ did not mean then, nor does it mean now, that life will be absent of difficulties. Rather, present troubles may increase, and sometimes because we take a stand for Christ and determine to do right. Peter exhorted us to not just sit back and hope for the best, but to be ready to move forward offensively and seek victory in every battle. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1.13). We must have a firm resolve to prepare our minds to move forward for Christ. This only happens as we know His Word, focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and His love given us, on His sacrificial death on the Cross, on His victorious resurrection from the dead; as we determine to walk in His steps, resisting all evil temptations confronting us.
Additionally, we must be “preparing our minds for action,” recognizing that the life of Christ is not passive, but active; knowing battles are not won by doing nothing, but rather by having strong resolve and determination to be victorious as we submit fully to our Lord. We must be “sober-minded,” being absolutely serious about our relationship with Christ and our testimony for Christ; being committed to following none other and listening to no other commands. We must have our minds and hearts set on what is to come, on the grace of our Lord which will be fully given to us and realized when Jesus Christ returns. Though the nights seem long and dark, though the trials seem unbearable, though our strength be weakened, may we keep focus on Christ and His Word; focusing on His coming again, knowing we will see Jesus, and knowing He will bring us into His kingdom, secured for eternity.
Looking to Jesus and preparing for action in 2025 – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 