Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 1:13
Last week, the Lord taught us to rejoice while suffering because Christ is our living hope. In today's devotion, our Lord shows us how we are to prepare for the spiritual battles we face each day, always remembering our hope is in Christ. Since we know there is suffering in this life, God calls all believers to prepare our minds for action, to be self-controlled, and to set our hope on God's grace through Christ that will be fully revealed when Christ is fully revealed. For our minds to be prepared for action, we must be renewed in our minds through God's Word (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; 2 Corinthians 10:5). For us to be self-controlled, we must realize God's Spirit in us gives us all of the strength and courage we need to walk in obedience to our Lord (Ephesians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). To set our hope on God's grace, we must know that true hope is only found in God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8). Knowing our hope is Christ, we willingly rest and trust in His grace which will be fully realized "at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Previously mentioned in 1 Peter 1:7, this phrase refers to the return of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to set our complete hope on the grace of God that will be fully realized when the Lord returns. Because Jesus has been raised, we have the confident hope of His return. So, as we face the tests and trials of this life, even suffering at times, our hope rests in Christ.
Challenge & Application
1. What does God teach us about where our true hope is found?
2. How are you daily preparing your mind for action, staying self-controlled, and keeping your hope fixed on Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!