1 Peter 1:13 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.

This chapter has various dearly-loved passages, but this one speaks to me at the moment. What is it to prepare our mind/heart for action? I think it is to know that anything could happen, and quite possibly will, but Jesus is still Lord, and in Him we have nothing to worry about. In this same letter Peter writes, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”(1 Peter 4:12) John likewise writes, “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13) This doesn’t mean we are to be dreading what might be around the corner; that is not faith! It does mean that when we round the corner and run into an emissary of the devil, we aren’t shaken but resist him fully, in full submission to God. (James 4:7) Also, “being sober-minded” doesn’t mean always having a long face, much less not having a sense of humor. Rather, it is not expecting “easy street,” insisting on being pampered. Just yesterday the passage was about patient endurance! The stronger our faith, the better we will be able to crack a joke in the middle of a trial. I remember two from Ronald Reagan after he was shot: “Honey, I forgot to duck,” and “Take me to Los Angeles, where I can see what I’m breathing.” It goes back to what Jesus so famously said in John 16:33. We will have troubles, so we aren’t to be surprised at them, but even in the middle of them we are to be strong, because we are in the One who has already conquered everything, including death itself.

I think I’m making progress in this direction, though blows are still painful. Around 30 years ago the Lord told me not to be surprised at what surprised others. At the time, I thought it was about the miracles and blessings He would pour out, but I realize that it applies equally to trials. That doesn’t mean that I’m to be devoid of emotion in relation to events. Some medication for bipolar disorder wipes out both highs and lows. I feel really sorry for people who are on it, because they seem to be hardly human. I am to participate fully in life, but at the same time view it all in the perspective of eternity, knowing that what comes after will reduce everything to insignificance. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Father, thank You for all You are doing in and around me. Thank you for the electrical work I could get done yesterday. I didn’t feel like I accomplished very much, but the fellowship was very good. Thank You for Your plans for today. May I receive everything from Your hand with praise and gratitude, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!