By Sidharth Mohandas
For the past many days Titto and I had been sharing with you things that we learned from the Deeper Conference at Charalkunnu.
Firstly we dealt with the fact that God has personally called each one of us to go into the deep with Him. And when we as believers answer that call, we also realized that there would be resistance from our adversary the devil. We learned that Satan’s primary attack is on who we are. To refresh your memory, we are sons and daughters by HIS doing. This truth brings true confidence and boldness to approach the throne of grace to receive mercy in time of need [Heb 4:15-16]. Then we moved onto learn of the various schemes of satan- his intimidation, deception and accusations all of which are founded on lies.
In spite of being taught of the devil’s schemes and even after being taught how to respond, many Christians still fall prey to it. This I believe is because of passivity. Pastor Stanley Hickman taught us that passivity was the atmosphere for Satan’s schemes to work out in our lives.
But how can you and I not be passive? 1 Peter 1:13 teaches us that we need to prepare our minds for action. This is the key to overcoming temptations and facing trials. Yes, we need to act at the time of temptation, but I know personally and I know from others that this action needs preparation. Many Christians when faced with some form of temptation get all worked up and start quoting Scriptures at the moment of temptation, but then they end up yielding to the temptation very soon. What could be the reason? I believe this is because they have failed to heed to the command to prepare their minds for action.
In 2 Chronicles, we read of the king Rehoboam, who started off as a good king but ended up to be one of the most evil kings. Here’s the reason Scripture gives why Rehoboam failed:
And he did evil, because he PREPARED NOT his heart to seek the LORD. [2 Chronicles 12:14, KJV]
If you and I don’t prepare our hearts to seek the Lord, we will fall at the time of temptation. This preparation is a daily thing. Before meeting the day, we need to approach the Word with undivided attention, leaving aside every distraction. And when God speaks to our spirit from His Word, we need to meditate on it till it becomes a part of ourselves. In the Hebrew kind of meditation [Hebrew: Hagah] one mutters the Word of God and repeats it to himself till it’s imbibed into his being. As you speak the word of faith to yourself, the Spirit writes them onto the tablets of your heart… Prepare your hearts in communion with Abba. Set aside monotonous, meaningless prayers, and spend the time in an intimate communion filled with thanksgiving, a place where you become ONE with Him and every breath is an “amen” to Him. God will prepare you to face the temptations and trials that will come your way, as you prepare to seek Him.
Again, I leave you with this command: prepare your minds for action
Excellent reminders to be proactive, sober, vigilant, and watchful. As the days have been going on since you began this teaching, I have been using the many helps you have offered. Thank you for your ministry!
That’s a great caution and encouragement. I also thank God that when I fail he lovingly draws me back on to the right path. God bless you Sidarth.
[...] Peter 1:13 tells us to gird up the loins of our mind. Therefore, as I shared in a previous post to prepare our minds for action, we need to get ready for the battle beforehand by feeding our minds with God’s truth. This [...]