I've been visiting my daughter and son-in-law these past few days.
As some readers of my columns may recall, my son-in-law is in the
Air Force. And I continue to be ever humbled by his and other
soldiers' willingness to protect and defend our country.
The sacrifices these men and women make as a result of their
commitment are vast indeed. My recent visit has taught me there is
much more involved than the accomplishment of their many
responsibilities and duties, however. Their "readiness" also
requires much practice. They spend countless hours in readiness
exercises and mission planning before executing their respective
jobs and assignments.
I can't help but ask myself, "Am I adequately equipped for each of
my days?" Or perhaps this question includes other questions. Such
as, "Am I prepared for the unexpected?" Or in the wake of the recent
California fires, if I had to flee my house in the next five
minutes, would I be ready?
Many books and websites provide useful and practical tips and
suggestions for preparing for emergencies and disasters. But
undoubtedly living through a major catastrophe in one's life will
require much more than an escape plan and survival kit, good and
important though they may be.
Is prayer and Bible study more important to our life readiness than
we realize?
Shortly after her divorce, my mom certainly illustrated for me the
benefit of prayer and turning to the Bible for direction and
guidance when she and I were forced to leave our home one night. We
were attempting to escape from my dad, who we were certain was en
route to kill us both before taking his own life. We grabbed what we
could in about "five minutes" and left, never to return. I've
written about this experience before.
From what I can recall now, some 40 years later, losing most all
that we owned was not the end of our world. Nor did experiencing
this unexpected trauma cause permanent emotional scars. Yes, there
were undesirable difficult times I would never want anyone to
experience. But it seems my mom's daily practice of prayer and
study, in spite of grave circumstances, inspired her with hope and
encouragement, enabled her to feel gratitude and peace of mind, and
gave her courage and vision to start a new life for us both.
I must admit that I don't always set aside time daily for study and
prayer. Sometimes I think I'm just too busy with the many details of
my day to take time for what would make me more ready for
implementing the details of my day. Remembering our American
soldiers, I can see the import and value of readiness practice and
how this practice enables one to accomplish exactly what needs to be
accomplished in the most efficient and accurate way.
Paul gives us instruction that supports the idea of our readiness
practice. He says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God ....
rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). I've always
taken this to mean that Bible study would help me to better
understand God and how to fulfill my divine purpose. And he says,
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I think Paul saw
prayer as a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment guide to our life, not
something we do only at bedtime, before a meal or on Sunday. How can
we know and live God's will for our lives without listening for His
constant directing?
I'm making a commitment to be more diligent in my readiness practice
each day. Perhaps some days I will spend more hours in study, but
I'm going to remind myself that prayer is a constant between God and
me. That no matter what is happening around me or to me, I will
never forget for a moment that God is all, that God is Love, that
God is omnipotent and ever-present. I'm pledging to maintain my post
of spiritual observation and never desert it.
No task is impossible to do and no calamity is impossible to
overcome with the divine Infinite guiding our every step. Daily
readiness and preparation will keep us poised for action and
equipped for progress and victory.
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