December 2 Devotion: Being Ready in the Tough Times

13).  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14).  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

                                       1 PETER 1:13-14

The apostle Peter knew challenging days lay ahead for his fellow believers. So he reminded them about their security as children of God: They were chosen by Him, born into a living hope, given spiritual protection, and guaranteed eternity in heaven with their Father (See 1 PETER 1:1-5), Then, in verses 13-14, Peter gave them specific ways to prepare for the coming trials. His words, divinely inspired by the Lord, can guide us as well.

His first point, which relates to our mind, is that what we believe has a direct impact on our response to problems. So preparation for the future starts with developing right thinking. If we trust that God is looking out for us, then we will feel less threatened by hard circumstances.

A second lesson from Peter is to be “sober in spirit”—in other words, to maintain our balance in the midst of crises large and small. That requires resisting quick fixes to problems and refusing to embrace ungodly ideas or philosophies. With the Spirit’s help, we can learn to stand firm and steadfastly follow the Lord, no matter what comes our way.

How can you prepare spiritually for whatever the future may bring? Today, spend some time meditating on Peter’s words, and pray for God’s guidance and help to stand firm.

-IBC