Preparing for Peace

by Beatrice Jean-Baptiste

2 Peter 3:14

Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.

Tears flooded from my eyes as I realized that I had miserably failed the exam.

I had studied, but not enough. My dreams of getting a scholarship for graduate school were dashed.

My scores on the Graduate Record Examinations filled me with a sense of sadness. The test results revealed that although I had spent my summer glancing over test prep books, I was not familiar enough with the material, which resulted in low test scores.

That day taught me a lesson on the importance of preparation.

In the third chapter of Second Peter, the Apostle encourages believers to prepare for Christ’s Second Coming. Like a test prep book, he gives insider tips on how to pass the test of life and prepare to meet Christ in peace.

To be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus, Peter encourages believers to live a life of devotion to God. Like a flower grows in the direction of the sunlight, a Christian fixated on Christ continues to grow in love, faith, and grace.

Preparation is linked to familiarity. The more we interact with Jesus in a loving relationship, the more devoted we become and the more our hearts yearn for His soon return.


Reflection

How is my relationship with Jesus? What steps can I take to grow more in love with Him?


Prayer

Dear God, Please draw me closer to You. Win me over with Your unconditional love. Grant me a desire to seek You with all of my heart, mind, and soul. Prepare me for what You have in store. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.