Are You Prepared?

During the course of the past week, preparation has seemed to be the main topic of each of my daily conversations. Preparations, preparations, and more preparations have consumed my week as well as the week of people around me. Major preparations have been endless.

Here is just a short list of some of the preparations that were taking place.

*Preparing meals that needed to be frozen and then delivered.

*Preparing to go out of town.

*Preparing for a major high stakes test for a med student.

*Preparing for a 10-mile walk.

*Preparing for a 3-day ladies retreat.

*Preparing for final exams.

*Preparing for presentations.

*Preparing shopping lists.

*Preparing a list of sundry items that usually aren’t part of my week.

*Preparing for…. it’s been endless!

Did I mention preparing each and every morning for my day? From the moment my feet escape the covers, I (probably like you) have a specific way to prepare for my day. I use specific products, and go through the motions while I do my hair and my makeup, get my cup of coffee/tea, etc. and before you know it I have aimlessly started my day. Although it is basically a routine, it too is preparation. I might not have actually thought about it, but being that I was going out of town I had to break it down so I could pack everything I needed as well as everything that I might possibly need (therefore over packing.)

My week has been busier than most weeks. Reflecting on my week, I ask, “Have all of the preparations been completed and carried out perfectly?” Yikes!!! In my preparation and busyness I had made time for everything yet hadn’t given the same time I normally would to putting on my full armor of God. Thinking back, God has carried my through this week because I know I would not have been adequately prepared for a major battle in my life. I have done a good job at encouraging others to prepare their minds and strength but did not put as much effort into preparing myself. The Bible warns us that before we are adequately prepared to start each day we must put on each piece of armor because each has a specific purpose. This week I plan to consciously focus on each of the pieces of armor and how it can help me through my days.

Monday- Belt of Truth (Being truthful against all else)

Tuesday- Breastplate of Righteousness (Christ’s righteous for me)

Wednesday- Shield of Faith (God’s faithfulness will get us through our doubts, fears and temptations. He is solid, precious and will protect us from the fiery arrows of the devil and his schemes).

Thursday- Helmet of Salvation (Protection from thoughts and lies from the enemy that enter our minds)

Friday- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Sharing the gospel and message of grace where ever I go)

Saturday- Sword of the Spirit (Using the word of God as our defense, understanding the difference between spiritual truth and false doctrine)

This week I will be more apt to conquer the world, as I will rely on Christ to fully equip me as I prepare daily with the armor of God. Are you prepared as you would like to be?

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13