Spiritual Preparation

Preparation is a key to success in so many areas of life. We know this from school, work, music, sports, and other endeavors. Playing basketball growing up, I had more than a few coaches quote the late great UCLA basketball coach John Wooden (who was also a faithful Christian) by telling us during practice "failure to prepare is preparing to fail." I later found out that the quote had actually originated with Benjamin Franklin. Although a Benjamin Franklin quote probably would not have been as meaningful to our team.

This past Sunday, Julie Pan shared how important spiritual preparation is when facing difficult conversations and circumstances in work and in life. She mentioned praying, asking for God's wisdom, and checking our own motives and attitudes before entering difficult situations. This was good advice. There is no substitute for spiritual preparation. I also think of spiritual preparation as a daily practice of spending time in prayer, Bible study, and reflection in order to strengthen our relationship with God so that we're better equipped for those unforeseen crises or opportunities. Author Henry Blackaby says, "if you are unprepared you will be vulnerable in life’s unexpected events." He goes on to say, "if you are spiritually prepared when a crisis comes, you will not have to try to develop instantly the quality of relationship with Christ that can sustain you. If you suddenly have an opportunity to share your faith with an unbeliever, you will be equipped to do so. If you enter a time of worship spiritually prepared, you will not miss an encounter with God. If you are spiritually filled when you meet a person in sorrow, you will have much to offer." 

I can sometimes relate with that feeling of being ill equipped to handle a crisis or take advantage of a ministry opportunity because I don't feel spiritually prepared or am unable to see things through God's eyes. Can't you? Blackaby says, as believers, we lose many opportunities to experience God’s activity because we have not devoted enough time to our relationship with Him. If you can relate to that, let us begin now to develop the habit of prayer, Bible study, and reflection that we might be equipped for whatever life brings. And if you're already doing so, I encourage you to press on! 

God bless,

Pastor Darren