Stirred Up

When doubt or distraction sets in, what pulls you back? Peter wrote to ‘stir up’ believers—to remember God’s Word and see life from His perspective.

“I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:1–2).

Peter felt an urgency to stir up his readers, reminding them of things they needed to think about—the words of Jesus and the prophets.

This was important, because “scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires” (v. 3). They would spread confusion about the coming of the Lord. Drawing wrong conclusions, they would proclaim that “all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation” (v. 4).

But Peter explained that if these mockers understood God’s Word, they would realize their criticisms were unfounded. They would see God’s purpose in creation; that He looks at life and time from the perspective of eternity; that with God, “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (v. 8); that He “is not slow to fulfill his promise,” as they thought—instead, He is patient, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (v. 9).

We need reminders that can stir us into action and cause us to be more serious about God’s Word, to reflect on our past, think about all God has done for us, and remember His actions throughout the Bible and human history.

Ask God to stir up your mind to remember His Word and gain His perspective on your life. Think about all that He’s promised and done so you’ll be alert and confident as you face the future.

Reflection Question: Will you set aside more time to study and be changed by God’s Word?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the “scoffers” Peter warned about (2 Peter 3:3–4)?

They mocked the promise of Christ’s return, claiming nothing had changed “since the beginning of creation.” Peter answered that God’s apparent delay is patience, giving time for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

What does “a thousand years as one day” mean (2 Peter 3:8)?

It teaches that God is not bound by human timeframes—what seems slow to us is not to Him. The point is not a formula but that His timing reflects eternal perspective and mercy, not neglect.