Being Prepared

Ephesians 6:13

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.

A recent article in Runner’s World magazine told the unfortunate story of a runner packing her duffle bag on race morning. She gathered everything she needed and set out for the race. Only after it was too late to go back did she realize she had grabbed her dress shoes out of her dark closet rather than her running shoes that morning. Her only choice was to wear the dress shoes or the flip-flops that were on her feet.

You may have most of what you need when you are about to run, but as the example demonstrates, most is not enough. As runners, each part of the uniform is essential. If you have a shirt and shorts but no shoes, you are not ready to run. If you have a shirt and shoes, but no shorts, you probably will be too embarrassed to step up to the start line.

The armor of God is similar. It is critical that we put on the full armor of God. Paul tells us, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” We are not ready for our spiritual race without this full armor. What good is righteousness, if we do not have truth? Can we have peace if we are not able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one?

Just as you approach the start line of a race with everything you need for running, begin each day by dressing in the armor of God. Only then will you be fully prepared. Start by asking him to show you what you lack. Then ask Him to supply your every need.

Lord God, thank you for equipping us for the work you have called us to do. Please help us to come to the race prepared with everything we need for victory. Show us what we lack, and then supply those needs. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.