In Case of Emergency – Stay Calm - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ (NIV)
The one thing we can consistently count on in life is that it will change. One day, things are going great and the next, the rug can be swept right out from under you. Sometimes it’s news that is life-altering. Other times, it’s a more gradual change. Regardless, we’ve all had seasons of life that feel like mountaintops and seasons that feel like valleys. Because we know we can count on consistent change, it would be wise for us to prepare our hearts and minds during the calm seasons of life so that we are equipped to stand firm in the storms.
In our verses today, Peter encourages us to do three things that help us prepare for trials. First, he says to set our hope on God’s grace. While life may change, God never will. He is faithful and constant. He always has been and always will be. Because of that, He will be our firm foundation regardless of how shaky everything else feels. In the best of times, recall how Jesus has shown up before so that you can cling to that in the worst of times, and know that while we don’t always react the way we should, His grace covers our failures and He remains faithful anyway. Second, Peter tells us to have “minds that are alert and fully sober”. The best way to do this is to be rooted in scripture and seeking God daily so that we are able to recognize His voice when things get tough. Finally, Peter reminds us that we are to be holy as Jesus is holy. This means that we live a life that looks different than the world. We are to be set apart, which means consistently making choices that honor God so that we develop integrity and the discernment to make wise decisions when emotions threaten to take over.
When we use the peaceful seasons to focus on Christ, we are not caught off guard by hardship. Instead, we will be anchored in the truth of God’s Word and equipped to face trials with faith and perseverance.
REFLECTION
Listen to Firm Foundation and think back to when God has been faithful in your life. Make a list of these times to refer to when things get hard, and to cultivate gratitude in the easier seasons of life.