We are surrounded by unknowns. We don’t know what a new day may bring to us. What will the next hour bring?
But we can prepare. We can get in a state of readiness. It’s a winning mindset. And a victorious heart set.
Jesus teaches us to be “dressed in readiness” and to stay ignited! “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight” (Luke 12:35 NASB).
This is the Jesus Way — He was never caught off guard. He did not allow circumstances to shove him around and control him.
He never lost it. Always in command. He pursued the Father’s agenda no matter what.
This is the personal command and readiness he calls us to. It’s something we can develop in!
Can I wear God’s armor?
Paul wrote we can clothe ourselves in the very armor of God. Did you know that God is the Ultimate Warrior?
“He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head ….” Isaiah 59:17
When Paul coaches us to put on the armor of God, it’s not a cliche of some sort. It actually is the armor of God!
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:13-15
The Amplified Bible translates verse 15 as … “And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.”
Firm-footed stability, promptness, and readiness.
The armor of God includes preparation with the very peace of God. When we live in that sense of preparedness, we move in peace … we release peace into settings and situations.
At the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he gives us a power promise: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).
Readiness: “Be on the alert!”
To be dressed in readiness is to be fitted out for battle … with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation.
Readiness means we give it our all: “having done everything.”
As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for. — James Cash Penney
Our footwear is vital. It’s about preparation. Positioning. Agility. Ready to run with focus.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith … Peter in 1 Peter 5:8-9
The Lord is infinitely ready. He owns the future. He’s restoring all things.
As we look to Him and apply ourselves … he will empower us to be ready spiritually, psychologically, physically, financially, practically, and in every way for what the future brings.