How to Prepare Well for What’s Coming Next?
When our two oldest grandsons were younger, we decided to combine a work-related trip with a little family vacation.
So, in mid-July, in San Antonio, Texas, we braved one of the large amusement parks with a four-year-old and infant in tow. Sometimes, we like to live on the wild side.
That may sound a bit like your life, right now—living on the wild side.
This was not my first rodeo. I knew to prepare well, drawing on an arsenal of survival techniques picked up while traveling to the developing world. These opportunities are a part of my job and special experiences of my life, and always in places of extremely hot weather.
A few years ago, I discovered the spray bottle while perusing the aisles of a sporting goods store, looking for anything to beat the heat on a mission to Central America. This spray bottle with a pop-top spout and spray handle intrigued me. It was inexpensive, so I decided to give try it.
That was in 2013. Since then, I have taken the spray bottle with me on every mission trip. I’ve also purchased extra bottles to give as gifts to friends who live in hot, humid places with little or no air conditioning.
As I began to prepare well, packing for the amusement park in Texas (also a place of extreme summer heat) I had two main goals: 1) take cool, comfortable clothes, and 2) pack the spray bottle.
On those scorching days at the amusement park, I’m sure the spray bottle saved my life (or at least my sanity). It also became a source of entertainment for Grandson #1, who was four at the time. Temps were in the triple digits. Humidity was through the roof. As usual, the park was all cement walkways and surfaces, making it feel twenty-degrees hotter.
That spray bottle become the go-to distraction when Grandson was on the verge of a meltdown. One of us would say, “Where’s the spray bottle?” Then, we’d ask him to give us all a cool spray. Obviously, he thought it was more fun than the park itself.
As we were melting from the heat, and Grandson was having a literal meltdown, the effort to prepare well seemed to benefit all concerned. The spray bottle was a win-win.
Today, we are living in a time of perpetual unexpected happenings and developments.
The words chaotic, turbulent, frustrating, fearful, and so much more come to mind. Even if you are not surprised—and as Christians, we really shouldn’t be—still, you may have moments when you feel unprepared.
Disappointment and disillusionment can affect our ability to think straight, re-act, and cope. You may wonder, at times, if you are heading for your own kind of meltdown. How can we prepare, in times like these, for what may be coming?
How to prepare for what's coming next?
First, I cannot tell you exactly what’s coming. Honestly, there are days when I don't want to think about it.
We know, though, there is always something coming. Common sense tells us this, and the Bible confirms it. Scripture also instructs us on preparing well. Here are a few examples from God's word.
How Scripture helps us to prepare well.
#1 - Honor Christ. Know how to defend the gospel.
“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...” 1 Peter 3.15 (ESV)
This verse in 1 Peter instructed the early church to prepare for what was coming by honoring Christ, and defending the gospel message. It still holds true for us, today.
#2 - Fight against the noise and distractions by setting your mind on heavenly things!
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth...” Colossians 3.2 (ESV)
A few years back, this passage in Colossians was my verse for the year. These words continue to encourage me, as I pray daily that my mind would be set on heaven instead of earth.
#3 - Trust in the Lord. Do not depend on your own understanding.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3.5 (ESV)
We can place our trust in a God who does not fail. The outcome may not always be what we would have chosen, but His ways are better than ours, always.
#4 - Work hard. Store up provisions. Instruct your children. Care for senior family members. Look out for one another. Live your lives.
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5.8 (ESV)
In this passage, Timothy encourages believers and those in ministry to not forsake caring for family. In these times in which we are living, take comfort in knowing it is good to prepare your household for tomorrow, or next year.
#5 - Do not be anxious. Pray to God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and... thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4.6 (ESV)
As you learn to prepare well for what's coming, heed these words of Apostle Paul. Do not let anxiety rob you of the peace you have in God. Prayer and thanksgiving are the key to turning our concerns and worry over to Him.
#6 - Be strong. Be courageous. Do not fear.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear…for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31.6 (ESV)
When you feel surrounded and overwhelmed by chaotic, turbulent, or fearful happenings, remember the truth of these words from Deuteronomy 31.6. Friend, you are not alone!
#7 - Do not believe everything you read, hear, or see. Test it with Scripture.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4.1 (ESV)
Just as in the days of the New Testament church, we must be discerning of false spirits that are not of God. Do not agree with everything that comes around. Learn to test it according to God's word.
#8 - Keep the shield of faith (the word of God) in your heart and mind.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one…” Ephesians 6.16 (ESV)
Be diligent with this one. Submerse yourself in the word of God. Read it. Listen to it. Meditate on it. Make sure the enemy knows the position it holds in your life.
We can rest assured the God of heaven and earth knows all things, and still holds the world in His hands.
To those who call Him Lord, He promises peace. Even in times of trouble and tribulation, He is our Peace.
Prepare well and take heart, dear one. The One who rides the waves and calms the storm relishes in rescuing us from a life lived on the wild side. And when your world feels shaken, remember, He has overcome the world.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16.33 (ESV)