Stirring

2 Peter 1:12-15

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

Explain / Examine

Reminders, Reminders, Reminders. Peter says as long as I have breath, I will speak about the truth of God so that we will be reminded of it. We are a forgetful people. Peter wants to stir the soul of a man so as to remember God in everything he does. It was made clear that Peter knew that his time as an earthly dwelling was coming to an end, which gave him even more energy to proclaim the reminder of truth to those with whom he had relational equity.

How do I apply this to my life?

I believe I have found my life verse. For years I have found myself wanting to stir a man in action. I wanted to somehow live a life that provoked and drew from the depths of another man a curiosity to search after the face of God. Here, Peter is saying just that! Until I breathe my last, I will speak the truth. It doesn’t matter that you have heard it before. I am going to say it again. Because it is my calling and purpose to speak the truth of God. I worry sometimes in doing the podcast that I am a broken record and I can only spout the same old information out over and over again. And that there is no value in it because I have said before. I value words and knowledge so much that I don’t want to waste them. But they are not wasted. They are being repeated so that an inner man may be stirred. I long to have more relationships in my life that are opportunities to be stirred and stir others. I think I may get stuck with an inward focus though. I need others to help push me out of my comfort zone. Not necessarily a full-on evangelist, but to keep me on my toes and invest in others. Because I am human and I need reminders. Not only of God’s truth but a reminder to stay uncomfortable. That it cost to follow Christ. The gift of salvation is free because Jesus paid the price, but the cost of following Him could be my life. And up until I breathe my last, I need to be reminding and stirring those around me.

What is my response?

Father, thank you for bringing me to this place that I am. As much as I wanted something different years ago, You had to grow me. You had to change my perspective and heart. I had to learn lessons to get ready for this season. I don’t think I would allow others to make me uncomfortable a couple of years ago. My pride would have gotten in the way. I would’ve run and hide. Tried coping the only way I knew how. Now, I seek those who can poke and prod and get me curious and self-aware as to how I’m living and wonder how it lines up with Your word. What is next Lord? Can I take that step? Not looking for full confidence, just enough faith to take that step and keep moving. To trust You with every aspect of my life. Not just my salvation, but also my time, talent, and treasure. Amen.