“So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvellous grace that is coming to you.” (1 Peter 1: 13 TPT)
Some translations of this passage from the bible use the words “gird up the loins of your mind”, giving a picture of the loose flowing robes that were worn at the time of Peter writing. When the traveller, racer, warrior or labourer wished to run, fight or had to apply him or herself to any business, they had to bind their garments close around them so as not to trip up on them. In the same way God wants us to have our minds and hearts in constant preparation for action. To be prepped, ready and alert for whatever we have to face and every opportunity. There are always going to be temptations, circumstances and traps that the world and the devil will try and cause us to stumble over or get distracted by.
However if we keep our minds and hearts prepared and alert for action we are going to be far less likely to falter and be able to make the most of opportune moments that come our way.
There is an important key to keeping ready; It’s in fixing our hope in the right direction – on Jesus and the grace and love that He has extended towards us both now and for our future.
When we “fix our hope” it changes our philosophy from one, which focuses on only “seizing the moment” because we never know what is going to happen, to prioritising what is important. We are more likely to be inspired to cultivate our gifts and potential, and to view things from a faith filled, “good things are happening” perspective rather than fearful expectation.
Without “fixing our hope” we will be tempted to simply seize the moment and be governed by our most predominant thought, emotion or circumstance in our day or week.
Today I encourage you to place your hope in God and His goodness. God is good and that means we can know that everything is going to be okay in the end. In the midst of trials and pressure we don’t have to allow ourselves to slip back into our old way of living and doing whatever we feel like. Instead we choose to be alert and have our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus who makes all things work together for good; who’s grace gives us supernatural ability, and who promises He will always lead us to triumph.
“So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then, you do now. …Let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy, you be holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 The Message)
“God always makes his grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of his endless triumph”. (2 Corinthians 2:14 TPT)
Prayer: Jesus I’m fixing my heart and mind on you today. Please lead and guide me as I “roll up my sleeves” and put my mind into gear so as to make the most of every opportunity. With you beside me I can be ready for any circumstance that I found myself in today. In Jesus name Amen,
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