Key scripture- “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 6:12-13)

Did you know that you must prepare yourself spiritually to face hard times before they come?

The reality is that when hard times come, and they will come, they come quickly and with a vengeance and when they are upon you and in your face that is not the time to say, “Wow, I had better get ready for this.” No, at that point you are either ready, or not.

In the Key scripture, God is saying to you that hard times (trials) will come to all of us sooner or later. That is why James says in James 1:2 “when” not “if” you meet trials of various kinds to count it all joy.

There are forces of evil in this world and they are opposed to God’s plan of making you more like Jesus Christ. They want to leave you in despair, depression and discouragement so they instigate suffering in your life. God’s reminding you today that these tough times aren’t just something to be endured. Rather, they are attacks on your spiritual life, and God wants to use them to build you up, while Satan wants to use them to destroy your walk with God. You also need to remember that God will never let the trial that you are in destroy you, instead He always provides a way of escape. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The way that you get ready for these attacks is by cultivating your daily spiritual walk with God, spending time with Him, praying, soaking up his Word, renewing your mind with Truth, and developing a ministry mindset toward those around you. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Are you prepared for the next spiritual battle? If not, what are you waiting for?

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, it is comforting for me to know that whatever trial that I am going through, it had to pass through Your hands before it got to me. I know that You are using this trial in my life to make me better and more like Jesus, and to bring You glory. I know that Your purpose for the trial is to test my faith, which in turn produces steadfastness. So that steadfastness has its full effect, so that I may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:3-4). Father, give me the wisdom to do what Paul said and “Rejoice, I say Rejoice,” even though for a little while, I am grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of my faith, which is more precious than gold, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor for Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7). Give me the strength to endure and the wisdom to know the way of escape that You have provided for me when the trial has achieved its purpose in my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.