![](https://mfv.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/devotional-social-share-updated.jpg)
Be Prepared
This week's focus: Prepared
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the LORD. - Proverbs 21:31
A few years ago, my husband and I trained to hike the Grand Canyon and set aside six months to prepare. Our training plan included a lot of treadmill work that was both monotonous and difficult. After the first month of consistent workouts, I no longer considered it a treadmill but a dreadmill. More than once, I came up with excuses as to why I needed to skip training: I was too tired, too busy, too overwhelmed, or I felt like I had already done enough. My husband wasn't buying it and would remind me that those who fail to prepare should prepare to fail. I didn't want that to happen, so I kept at it. If I were to battle the long ascents and descents the Grand Canyon would provide, I needed to prepare for the challenge physically.
Few people enjoy the pain that comes with training, but everyone loves the results of having been trained. In addition, we all benefit when surrounded by those who are prepared to do their job. Would you get on an airplane if you found out the pilot was too busy to get his license but felt like he was ready? Or how about going into surgery only to find out the doctor didn't go to medical school? Training and preparation are essential ingredients required for success.
As Christians, God is preparing us for victory in order to make a difference in this world. Many opportunities (disguised as problems) will come our way and sign us up for training. The question is will we resist and make excuses or comply and endure?
In the Bible, we find the prophet Jeremiah discouraged and complaining about a challenge he was facing. God's response was profound when He asked Jeremiah, "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" - Jeremiah 12:5
Like Jeremiah, if we complain about minor issues, how can we be prepared to be used by God when more significant challenges present themselves? During difficulties, we learn how to draw on the strength God provides as He trains us to depend on Him. If we want to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally, we must not resist the training we need.
As for me, I was able to complete the Grand Canyon hike. I did my part and trained, and God took it from there. When I felt like I couldn't go any further, I had the opportunity to rely on Him by praying Psalm 18:1, "I love you, O' Lord, my strength." I prepared for my "day of battle," but the victory belonged to Him.
by: Jennifer McAlister, Communications, My Faith Votes
Proverbs 21:31
"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the LORD."
Prayer Points:
Pray: Father, As Your children, we praise you that we don’t have to fret when difficulties arise because You are preparing us to trust You in every situation. May we not shrink back, complain, or resist but rather endure and persevere as You take us from strength to strength. We desire to be used by You to make a difference in the world.
Think: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin
Act: We're just a week away from the elections. We can prepare a better world for future generations to inherit by voting for biblical values and encouraging others to do the same. My Faith Votes has prepared an email for you to send to everyone you know- your friends, family, Bible study, neighbors, church, and more - anyone in your contact list. The reality is that there are people around you who do not vote. And over 60% typically do not vote in midterms. Click here to send an email message so that you can empower those you know through the tools in My Voter Hub, the election resource center from My Faith Votes. If you don’t want to send an email, simply click on the link and copy & paste it into a social media post. Let's encourage Christians to PRAY, THINK, and VOTE.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.