I don’t know about you, but I handle situations better when I’ve thought them through.
Peter instructs, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,” 1 Peter 4:1
Every situation doesn’t give us the ability to consider how to respond. Sometimes we must respond in the moment but either way if we “arm ourselves” with the purpose of Christ we can handle ALL situations better.
What does that mean though? To arm ourselves with the same purpose of Jesus.
Jesus stated many times He was about His Father’s business. Even in the garden when faced with extreme pressure to give His life a ransom for many He said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39
His mind was set on living for His Father’s will. He spent time in prayer with the Father, He knew the Scriptures well, and He physically lived out the scriptures He meditated and studied. So, when situations arose, He didn’t focus on His suffering, He focused on His Father.
What about you and me… when moments arise do we respond considering our Father and His will? Let’s arm ourselves by being proactive in first spending time with the Father and in His Word. Then let’s respond kingdom minded. When suffering does take place don’t focus on our suffering, focus on our Savior.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.