When "Ready" seems a Cliché from the Past. When Temptation Looms, Part 4
How much stress could be avoided if we were always prepared, ready for
everything!
Being a teacher, I have noticed that many students undergo extreme anxiety when
facing ordinary tests. They ask themselves: "Did I study enough? Did I sleep
enough? Did I…?"
Some undergo what I call the black-out syndrome: "Did I miss anything? Did I
forget my pencil, my ruler, my paper? Did I…?"
Others are facing what I call the "coffee syndrome": "I am so nervous I can't
focus!" they cry, clutching their mug of coffee. And if it happens that
they receive the dreaded "F", you will hear them cry out in anguish: "How could
this have happened??? I studied from midnight to 6 a.m., and drank plenty of cups of
black coffee!"
Those who seem to be the best prepared for tests (which always results in the
best grades!) are those who study daily, starting at least a week before the
event!
Remember "Practice makes perfect"?
The importance of being well-prepared becomes even more evident in war-time
situations. Think about it: Would you let your guard down if you were a soldier
entering enemy territory? No way! We know that the consequences would mean
certain death!
Yet we let down our guard before our enemies on a daily basis!
The apostle Paul tells us: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark
world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore
put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be
able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Eph
6:12-14 NIV)
We are all on enemy turf, friends! This planet is in full blown rebellion
against God, motivated by its prince called the devil: "The prince of this world
now stands condemned." (John 16l:11 NIV); "As for you, you were dead in your
transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of
this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at
work in those who are disobedient." (Eph 2:1-2 NIV).
Our enemy is on the prowl. The devil will try everything within his means to
deceive and defeat us. His goal: Our destruction! Is it any wonder the apostle
Peter left us this warning: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8
NIV)?
This is why we always need to be ready to face his unforeseen attacks. Otherwise
we will be turned into dog meat. Or should I say "lion meat"!
Peter goes on to advise: "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you
know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of
sufferings." (1 Peter 5:9 NIV) This is why the apostle Paul urges us to have our
feet fitted with readiness: "…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that
comes from the gospel of peace." (Eph 6:15 NIV) If our feet are well prepared,
they will drive us to either resist or run away, according to the best method of
attack at the time (Remember Joseph? See Gen 39: 11-12).
Let's be aware of the situation we are in. We are heaven bound! This rebellious
place is not our home. Let's not become comfortable in it, let's not become
swallowed up by complacency. Remember: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we
eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil 3:20 NIV)
"An F! I got an F! Can you believe this! How is this possible? I looked at the
cover of my book every day last weekend! When I wasn't having fun, that is . . .
But I studied for an entire two hours before the test!"
Are you prepared for heaven?
Rob Chaffart
P. S. Have you noticed that readiness come "from the gospel of peace"?
