Are You Prepared?

A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the LORD. (PROVEBS 21:31 NIV)

It’s remarkable, sometimes even stunning, how tumultuous times can either hit us in an instant or sneak up on us over time. There doesn’t have to be a rhyme or reason, although oftentimes there is both. And whether or not we understand how or why we find ourselves in turmoil, it’s so very comforting to know that, in any case, we aren’t alone to fend for ourselves. At the very least, we have three defenses that have proven over centuries to work in favor of certain victory, no matter the circumstance. That’s because when we have the Creator of the universe on our side, anything is possible.

Get Prepared: Begin each day quiet before God, praising – yes, praising – Him for His faithfulness and love. Read His Word and meditate on His promises meant just for you. Humble your heart and confess any wrongdoing on your part. Acknowledge your need for His presence in your life. Then clothe yourself with His armor – for protection as well as a readiness for battle.

Be Prepared: Once you get prepared, you’re now able to stand strong in your situation and be. Be ready to receive God’s divine direction either to move forward in offense or to wait in defense (which is often the hardest to do). In either case, you can trust wholeheartedly that He is with you and He is for you.

Go Prepared: When God says “Go,” strength and boldness will be your friends. You can set that boundary that needs to be made; have that conversation that needs to happen; forgive that person who consumes your thoughts and leaves you angry; ask for help, even though it goes against your grain.

No matter what you face, getting, being, and going prepared for your battles God’s way is the best way to experience His victory in any storm.

Father,

Thank You for being not only a loving and faithful friend but my defender, protector, and all-wise leader. I want to go through my battles Your way, because I trust and believe You have only my good in store.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This is an excerpt from God’s Truth for Troubled Times by Lisa Stilwell - a devotional book now available from DaySpring publishing. Learn more about this book, or shop other books & devotionals from DaySpring.