Jeremiah 12:5 The Lord said, “If you have run with the footmen and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with soldiers on horseback? If you feel secure only in safe, open country, how will you manage in the tangled undergrowth along the Jordan River?”
Following the financial crisis of 2008, many people asked why governments were not better prepared. In the wake of the CoVid-19 pandemic, many people are again questioning whether governments could have been better prepared. More importantly, I believe the Spirit of Christ is asking every believer, “Were you spiritually prepared for this time?” If the answer is no, then what are we doing to be better prepared? How can we become spiritually fit, ready for the coming weeks or ready for the next crisis?
Our list of preparedness isn’t, “How many weapons do you have in your home?” Our weapons are not man-made, but spiritual and mighty! They include hope, the truth of His word, long-suffering, gentleness, compassion, and wisdom. Undoubtedly the strongest weapon we have is prayer. What has this crisis revealed to you about your ability to effectively use these weapons? Personally, this crisis revealed that I am spiritually flabby and unable to wield the sword of prayer as effectively as I should. I am undisciplined in the art of long-suffering and compassion. I easily tire attempting to lift the banner of hope high above the battle noise. I am quick to defend myself and slow to lay down my life as a soldier of the cross. I need a bootcamp refresher course!
This crisis is a good wake up call. I feel the Spirit of Christ saying, “Hear the rumblings of war. Hear the trumpet sound. Prepare!” What was the hardest challenge you faced: limited toilet paper? waiting in longer lines? restricted freedoms? How well did you do with these obstacles? Did you pass the test with flying colors or do you need to return to basic training? God doesn’t expect us to merely keep up with the foot soldiers because He knows we can outrun the cavalry! If these small inconveniences caused us to become aggressive or shattered our peace, then this is the time to begin some serious training before the horses arrive. I believe there are spiritual forces at work in the world that are set against the very nature of Christ. Still, for me, the greatest enemies that I must conquer are those within. Let’s return to steadfast prayer. Let’s heed His warning and train our hearts to follow. We are not those who fear and fail. We are called to overcome. May peace, wisdom, and courage be granted to you as you train your heart to hear His voice and follow.