Prepare - why, how and for what?

WHY PREPARE? Yesterday, a friend told me her gym teacher once warned the class that they should exercise their bodies in light of needing to buy insurance when they got older. She had no idea what he was talking about, so she dismissed his comments. Now, as an adult, she realizes the implications of her teacher's advice. But, alas, it fell on deaf ears at the time.


HOW DO I PREPARE? I confess I also didn't consider the future when my parents tried to train me in life skills like laundry, cooking and the dreaded dishes! I pretty much did my utmost to avoid all of these chores in my home. I'm actually infamous in my family for all the excuses and stunts I pulled to get out of doing dishes. My dad insisted that with five children in the house, he didn't see a need to buy a dishwasher. "I've already got five dishwashers," he would proclaim. So my siblings revel in the irony that I am the one who grew up to have the most children (five) in my household - and no dishwasher - until we became empty-nesters a few years ago.

If I had worked on those chores through the years, I would have been much more prepared to be a homemaker. Fortunately, God and my husband, Jerry, have been gracious through the years as I learned on-the-job. But boy, would things have gone so much more smoothly had I learned those skills from my mother when I was given the chance!


FOR WHAT DO I PREPARE? I've watched other Christians deal with tragedies. Those who have a consistent walk with God definitely shine in those instances. Although they most likely didn't realize it, God had obviously been preparing them emotionally and spiritually. That's what I want! I really desire to be ready if a doctor says that "c" word, or if a beloved family member dies tragically, or a trusted friend betrays me, or if I burn dinner and have no time for a fast food run. Whatever happens. I want to have a godly reaction.
What I have figured out so far is that God will probably not tell me about future events, but He knows them. And He will prepare me to deal with them as they come. He already is and will continue to build my faith gradually through daily disciplines. Here is my general working list of disciplines:

1) care for my physical body

2) meditate on and memorize God's Word

3) pray with thanksgiving

4) minister to others using my spiritual gifts


In 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God says that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."


Be encouraged today! No matter what is in our future, God knows. God cares. And God prepares.


"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3