Be Stong in the Lord, You’re Going to do GREAT THINGS!
I think about all the crazy weather we have been having lately and for me, I notice how much preparation we do for a storm. We open or close our windows, we get out our candles or flashlight, we tune in to our radio or TV, we go to our basement or hang out in the bathtub of our bathroom. And we watch and wait for something that could potentially end our lives…a little unusual if you ask me.
Now, just imagine if we spent the same kind of time and energy on preparing ourselves for the day, for God’s work – not just physically preparing, but mentally as well.
This is a process we must prepare our hearts, bodies and minds for. Are you prepared? Do you have your “First Aid kit” for when you slip and fall? Do you have your “In Case of Emergency kit” for the storm that is fast approaching? Do you have your “flashlight” to light your way on a darkened path? Do you have your “compass” to provide direction when you get lost?
Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us how to prepare:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Thanks Stephany you made that scripture hit home. I will be more prepared by the onslots of the evil one.It is so important to hide the word of God in our hearts for stormy times.
Stephany, your excellent analogy of the Ephesians warfare passage as compared to our preparations for the various tornado warnngs of late here in Georgia put a resh face on what “preparaton” means! Fantastic!!!!!
“Fresh face”, to correct the typo….should have doubled checked before transmitting!! Anyway, this is a fantasic analogy, and will be a great help to us all.
How we all need to be prepared and stay prepared. Stephanie have you ever wondered about the last sentence? It hit me that perhaps we need the armor the most when we are praying for one another.