Preparation
As we look to the start of a new year, God has impressed upon my heart the need to prepare. “Prepare for what?” you ask. Honestly, I am not really sure. Maybe He is asking me to cut back on some things so that I can have more time dedicated to Him. Maybe He is asking me to take on something new that I haven’t considered or been interested in before. Maybe He just wants me to hone my focus, so that He can change me more into His image. But I do know that it never hurts to examine ourselves. So I am asking some hard questions and looking to God’s Word for guidance.
Are there distractions that are keeping me from following God whole-heartedly?
Am I faithful to the calling that God has put on my life today?
Do I know the Word thoroughly, so that I can use it to counsel myself and others when questions arise and difficult circumstances invade?
Am I praying and communicating with the Lord daily?
Is God re-directing me in my ministry or role?
These seem to be a good starting point. There’s plenty to work on here! As I was thinking through these things, I remembered a blog I wrote several years ago on the topic of “preparation.” So I dusted it off, changed it up a bit, and decided to share it with you this week. I pray that it will be a blessing as we consider how to prepare for the leading of God in our lives.
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"In the last days, perilous times shall come." Indeed, they have. I've heard the generations older than mine for years lamenting about the condition of our country. I have never doubted them, but since I've never lived in any other period of time, I know nothing else. Now that I am an adult, with children grown and grandchildren on the way, I see it. I understand it more. This world is evil. And the awfulness is growing and compounding at an alarming rate.
How then, are we to prepare both ourselves and our children or grandchildren to face the challenges that living in this wicked, sin-filled world will surely bring? I believe there are five things we can do to be ready.
1. Know God's Word.
I know I harp on this a lot, but its importance cannot be overstated.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deut. 6:6-9)
Notice that before we can teach others to “think Bible,” God’s Word must be ingrained in our hearts first. Then these verses make it sound like Scripture should be taught all of the time, everywhere, no matter what you're doing! Yep, that's right. "But isn't that a bit of overkill?" you ask. Nope! Whether you realize it or not, the world's goal is to brainwash our society, especially our children, into their culture of death. Our goal is to live in freedom from that bondage—and to deliver our children from it, as well—and instead to dwell in the glorious freedom of Christ.
What do I mean by the "culture of death?" Well, evolution, abortion, homosexuality, immorality, drugs, alcohol, and euthanasia for starters. Everything that is promoted by the world these days actually leads to death. Of course, Satan is not stupid. He knew that if he just showed up and shouted, "I want everyone to die!" we would not have followed his plan. That's why he attacks us slowly, deceptively, using trickery and tiny steps to lead us to death.
To escape the abyss of moral relativism that is our culture, we must believe that God’s Word is absolute truth, and we must teach our children that, as well. His law is always right, His promises never fail, and His prophecies are always fulfilled. His way is the only true way to salvation, life, and peace with Him, which is important if we want to spend eternity with Him in heaven. When we live for ourselves and follow the way of the world, we may think we will find happiness, but we won’t. We will be in constant turmoil and upheaval. That absence of peace on earth brings me to my next point.
2. Expect struggles.
As parents, we want to shelter our children from difficulty of any kind, whether it be the disappointment of not making the basketball team, the betrayal of a friend, or the embarrassment of making a mistake. We don't want our kids to hurt in any way, physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Truthfully, we don’t like to endure hardship or pain either. We do everything we can to escape it. While this is normal, it is not realistic or practical to escape every difficult thing all of the time. Life is hard, and it is even harder when you are a Christian living in a wicked world. Persecution has barely begun in America, and it will certainly get worse before it gets better. Jesus did not teach that all struggles cease when we become His followers. In fact, He taught the exact opposite.
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;" (Phil. 1:29)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (Jn. 16:33)
We must know that suffering for the cause of Christ is a worthy suffering, a high calling. Throughout the ages, faithful Christians have sacrificed their freedoms, and some have even died for their allegiance to God and His Word. Men like Paul the Apostle, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, and Jim Elliott should come to mind. Tell your children and remind yourself often that "it will be worth it all, when we see Jesus."
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18)
3. Keep an eternal perspective.
That's what the last verse above is focused on. The present difficulties are nothing when compared with the glories of eternity. In the throne room of heaven, we won't even remember the hardships of earth. Fairly often, I hear young people give the "but-everybody's-doing-it" excuse. And peer pressure is a strong motivator, but God's approval should be stronger. Remember Elijah and the way God used him to destroy the prophets of Baal. Remember Daniel, who was thrown into the lion's den for choosing to obey God, rather than men. Picture yourself standing before God. Will He say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant”?
4. Establish strong families.
I used to tell my children that we definitely wanted them to get married and have lots of children, and they were allowed to start thinking about this at age 40. Of course, I was teasing. Now two of my daughters are married and expecting babies—and they’re nowhere near 40! I’m thrilled!
Here’s what Ephesians 5:21-6:4 says about the family:
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For ye are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Strong, Christian families are the natural defense to Satan's twisted, perverted plan for the human race. Godly husbands and wives are a picture to the world of Christ and His bride, the Church. Well-behaved children, living in honor and respect of their parents, are the image of Christians, content and submitted to their Father God. Therefore, it is important for our youngsters to see what a biblical family is and how its members ought to behave toward one another and toward the world. This is important for new believers, as well, since many come from broken homes and worldly lifestyles. We must teach and talk about these things and help others make wise choices for the future. This could involve working together to establish dating standards (as well as accountability during the dating process), praying together about future spouses, and direct teaching from Scripture on the family. (Remember, just because you don’t have children of your own does not exempt you from the Scriptural command to teach the younger women. All of us can have an impact on the spiritual children God gives us.)
Above all, it requires a proper example of what God intended the family to be and do. Children are much more likely to copy what they see us do, rather than obey what they hear us say. If you are married, check your relationship with your husband. Are you speaking to him with a kind and respectful tone? Are you submitting to his leadership in the home? Are you faithful to your vows? In God's perfect design, solid Christian families result in more solid Christian families, which in turn fuel vibrant, fruitful churches. This is God's vehicle for His work in the world today.
5. Pray.
Praying about your relationship with God and with your family, your participation in your church, your testimony in your workplace, and even your role in your friendships is vital. Praying with and for your children is imperative. Even the most watchful, diligent person is still a human at best. But God, in His omniscience, knows what each of us needs and when we need it. Plead with the Lord to give clear direction in your life. Ask Him to fill in the holes that you unwittingly leave in your parenting. Beg for wisdom as you seek to train and prepare yourself and your children for the future.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and updraideth not; and it shall be given him." (Jas. 1:5)
And what a comfort it is to know that God really is the One preparing, teaching, and protecting our families today, tomorrow, and everyday in the future!
"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (Is. 54:13)
All that is left to us is to trust and obey Him. He will take care of the rest.
“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." (Is. 50:7)
Preparation is an essential aspect of the Christian life. I believe that as I study this topic, I will learn more ways to prepare myself and my family for whatever God has in store for us. In thinking through this process, I do believe that my time commitment to Think Bible will be shortened, at least for a time. Please bear with me as blogs and podcasts may not be available as frequently. While that seems like a step in the wrong direction, I am excited for the work that God is doing in my heart. I pray that you will join me on this journey, as we seek to be faithful stewards of the time, resources, and influence God has given us.