“THOSE WHO STAND FOR NOTHING FALL FOR ANYTHING.” – ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, ESV)
Standing firm is a huge part of being strong (see previous day). It is significant in this verse that before taking a stand you have to make a choice. Taking a stand means being prepared to take a stand. This verse tells us that making a choice to put on what you need is the key to standing firm. If you choose not to prepare, your likelihood of standing firm is drastically reduced. And if you’re not preparing to stand firm, you’re actually preparing to fall.
The disciplines you commit to are what determines your readiness to stand. It’s as simple as making the choice to get dressed. What you put on prepares you for the day ahead. Did you check the forecast? Are you dressed appropriately? Do you have what you need? Did you grab your jacket or your umbrella? How ready are you?
The same is true for life. Did you look at your schedule? Did you coordinate your plans? Do you know what’s coming? Are you planning ahead? Are you taking time to center yourself? To pray? To think? Where are you vulnerable to a fall? What do you need to put on to be ready? What needs your attention? What have you been putting off? Falls come from avoiding these questions. Whether you stand or fall is decided before life’s critical moments. It’s decided in your preparedness.
You can’t always know everything you’ll need for what life throws at you, but you can be ready for what you know you need ready for. If you start there, the surprises will not be so surprising. In the next few days we’ll dive deeper into what you can put on to prepare for anything…
Questions for Reflection:
When was a time you were able to stand firm?
How prepared are you feeling in general right now?
What disciplines would make you more prepared?
What or who is in need of your attention?
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13, ESV)
Please remember to let us know if we can answer any questions you might have, connect you with resources for help of any kind or pray for you.