Are We Prepared?

“We are preparing for something.”

When IFA President and CEO Dave Kubal spoke these words at a recent meeting, my ears perked up. Those five simple words pierced my heart and took me back to the beginning days of 2020.

It was early January of that year when God spoke one word to me: prepare. After that, several times a day God exhorted me to prepare. But prepare for what?

At the beginning, I heard nothing beyond that one-word instruction. I had no idea what to prepare for, or even how to begin to prepare. I never imagined what would take place in our nation over the next few weeks and months. The pandemic, the lockdowns, the empty shelves at grocery stores, the closed churches, the mandates — and the deaths. For that reason, whenever I hear the word “prepare” now, I tune in and listen closely.

Back then, I sought God for insight. I remember clearly when He said to me: “Martha thought she was preparing well.”

We’re familiar with the biblical account of Mary and Martha:

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38–42).

Martha was busy preparing. She was making ready what she thought in her own mind Jesus would want or need for the gathering. She was busy preparing food; tidying up the house; serving refreshments and making guests comfortable. She had her eyes on everything but the one important thing. Not only that, but she was annoyed and frustrated that Mary wasn’t helping her.

Mary, on the other hand, was not about to “miss the moment.” She wasn’t concerned with other people. She didn’t think about preparing food, cleaning house, or serving guests. She wasn’t worried or troubled about anything. She was in perfect peace. She had one thing on her mind, one focus: Jesus, her Master, her Lord.

Both women were preparing for something.

Martha believed she was doing what was necessary to properly serve Jesus and His disciples. Yes, there are times when we must prepare things in the natural. Tidy our house. Make sure everyone is fed and well cared for. Entertain guests. There are even times to stock up items we may need in case of a natural disaster or some other unforeseen occurrence. Those things are important — to us and to God. However, there are times when only one thing is needed. That one thing is sitting at the feet of Jesus. When God tells us to prepare, He is most likely talking about preparing our hearts, strengthening our spirits, and settling our minds. He is telling us to spend time with Him, listen for His voice, and stabilize our faith in His Word.

In 2020, God was telling me to prepare for what was ahead, first by realizing what the most important thing was: sitting at the feet of Jesus; listening to and reading His Word; praying; interceding; learning His ways; seeing things from His perspective.

He was telling me this was no time to be concerned or troubled about all those things requiring my attention in the natural, but to make certain that I set aside time to prepare my heart and spirit for what was ahead; time to spend in His presence; time to tune in to His voice and then to be quick to obey.

That’s what I did through the months before the COVID pandemic hit. And so, spiritually I was prepared. I had sat at His feet, and I was then unshaken when the entire world shifted into chaos.

Being prepared is something the Bible talks about often. One vital part of preparation is making sure all our weapons of warfare are in place.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Our weapons include intercession, peace, praying in the Spirit, decreeing His Word, and the power of agreement. As the Body of Christ, we have innumerable anointed weapons at our disposal, including the full armor of God.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:10–18).

I once read an article about a Marine who had been given an assignment during a time of war. He was instructed to visit the front-line soldiers. The number of casualties had been growing daily, and the Marine’s commanding officer wanted to know why. This Marine arrived at the front line and discovered an alarming truth: Rather than being alert and prepared for instant action and battle, the soldiers were complacent. The Marine found them sitting against trees, with their weapons feet away from them, their helmets tossed to the side, and none of their protective gear in place. The Marine saw the problem: These soldiers were not vigilant, nor were they in military position. Hence the innumerable casualties. Those soldiers knew all the right things to do. They even had every weapon they’d ever need. And still, they were unprepared.

Just so, God has given us everything we need for success. Remember, we’re not fighting for victory, but rather from a place of victory. It’s up to us to make sure our weapons are always close at hand. Our fight is a fight of faith: standing firm on the promises of God, keeping our minds stayed upon Him, and trusting Him completely. We must allow the Holy Spirit to bring comfort in times of distress. We must be praying with all diligence. We must keep interceding until we see a breakthrough. These are all powerful weapons. But we must never become complacent; we must remain alert and firm in our faith.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith … (1 Corinthians 16:13 AMPC).

If God is saying “prepare” — and I believe He is — we must take the time to sit at His feet. We must lay everything else aside and spend time in the presence of the Lord. We must hear the voice of God for what the future holds.

A prudent man sees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished [with suffering] (Proverbs 22:3 AMPC).

The word prudent can also be rendered as “wise.” Where does the prudent or wise person hide? In God.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock (Psalm 27:5).

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word (Psalm 119:114).

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:7).

I’m reminded of Noah. God had Noah prepare long before the first drop of rain fell. And Noah and his entire family were saved and delivered. God has not changed. He has already given us the weapons we need. He has given us instructions. He even promised to hide us and our families in the day of trouble. Whatever comes our way, we are safe in Him.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD (Proverbs 21:31). Yes, we can prepare for the day of battle, but only one person brings victory and deliverance: God! Noah prepared the ark just as God had instructed him, but it was God Himself who kept Noah hidden and safe — before, during, and after.

This year has all the markings of a turbulent one. Have we prepared where God has told us to prepare? As we do, may we never forget: Our deliverance and victory come from the Lord.

(Orig. published on ifapray.org)