Christmas is coming. Have you or are you preparing? Are the cookies being baked, the house decorated, gifts wrapped and under the tree? We like to be prepared whether it’s for a holiday or a vacation. We prepare when we know we will be having guests at our homes or when a baby is on the way. We prepare when we are required to take a test for work or school and we prepare to ensure there is food in the house to eat.
Let me ask you a question. Have you prepared for the storms of life? Let’s face it, life isn’t easy. It is filled with storms. You are either entering a storm, in a storm, or coming out of storm. Just like the storms here in Florida, there may be a calm period, but we know at some point, the wind and rains will come again.
Preparing for a storm will require some work on your part. During hurricane season, we may cover up our windows, secure patio furniture, and stock up on the essentials such as food and water. For the storms of life, we need to do the same. We do this by putting on the full armor of God.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take
your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Eph 6:11
- Don’t try to fight alone. As an older female, the chances of me fighting off an attacker are slim. However, the odds of success increase when there is two or three or more of us. Life groups are a great place to build relationships. If your church doesn’t have life groups or small groups, does it have bible study groups or other activities with which you can get involved and build relationships?
- Put on the armor of God. God is not going to dress you. It is your job to take personal responsibility to prepare yourself for battle. Have a partner that can stand in battle with you. For some that will be a spouse, for others a close friend. Whoever it is, you should feel comfortable they will have your back. And don’t look to the world to save or protect you. Depend instead on God and turn to him in prayer to prepare for and weather the storms of life.
- Sharpen your sword. We do this by being in the word and storing it in our hearts. Christ was tempted by Satan during his 40 days fast in the desert. How did he respond? He quoted scripture.
Get away from me Satan! It is written, “Worship the Lord your God.
He is the only one you should serve.” Then the devil left Jesus.
Matt 4:10-11
Find and memorize scripture to help you through financial trials, health challenges, and marital strife. There are scriptures for all of life’s storms. Carry them in your heart so you can call on them as Jesus did when Satan tempted him.
Soldiers prepare to fight a war when and where called. Football teams prepare to skirmish on a gridiron. Debate teams prepare to clash on a stage. Why would we as Christians, not prepare ourselves for the battles of everyday life? From the television shows we choose to watch, to how we parent our children in a promiscuous and depraved world. In a world where truth is defined as whatever you want it to be and compassion and forgiveness are foreign, we need to prepare ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and our neighbors.
Pastor Dave put it this way.
Evil days are reserved for life altering events. The evil day comes when all falls into place for the worst day of our life: a day of darkness and despair, of catastrophic loss, a day of temptation and failure, or of error and deception.
We must all take an active role in dressing ourselves for the battles that are sure to come.
Challenge: Ask yourself if you have done everything in your power to prepare for the next battle with evil. If you have not, get prepared!
Have a blessed week!
– PSG –
Need help memorizing verses? Try VerseLocker or Verse In My Heart
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