Living Ready: The Power of Preparation in Your Spiritual Walk

Living Ready: The Power of Preparation in Your Spiritual Walk

Life has a peculiar way of reminding us that we're never quite "done" going through things. Just when we think we've conquered one challenge, another engine starts revving in the distance, rolling our way. This isn't pessimism—it's reality. And surprisingly, it's also evidence of God's confidence in us.

The God Who Holds You in His Palm

Consider this profound truth: if God didn't believe you could handle what you're facing, He would never allow you to go through it. When trials come—and they will come—it's not abandonment. It's trust. The God of the universe holds you in the palm of His hand, and when you're there, nothing can touch you without His permission.

We often walk around focused on our weaknesses—our aching bodies, our busy minds, our frustrations. We forget that the Creator of everything has us covered, literally. He opens His hand to let us experience growth through difficulty, then closes it again for protection. This divine rhythm isn't cruelty; it's cultivation.

The Danger of Premature Wisdom

There's an old saying: "If I knew then what I know now..." But here's the uncomfortable truth—it wouldn't have made a difference. We would have done it anyway, just to see if we could get away with it. We're the kind of people who, when told something is hot, have to touch it ourselves to believe it.

This stubborn curiosity is part of our human nature. Sometimes we need to touch the iron when we're three years old rather than waiting until we're forty. The lesson learned early, though painful, prevents a lifetime of wondering. The key is learning from those burns rather than repeatedly touching the same hot surface.

Opening Spiritual Eyes

The story of Elisha and his servant Gehazi offers a powerful illustration of spiritual reality. When surrounded by enemies, Gehazi panicked at what he could see with his natural eyes. But Elisha prayed a simple prayer: "God, open his eyes so he can see."

When Gehazi's spiritual eyes opened, he saw the true picture—angels with flaming swords, chariots of fire, a heavenly army that vastly outnumbered their earthly enemies. The situation hadn't changed, but his perspective had transformed completely.

How often do we panic over what we can see while remaining blind to the spiritual forces protecting and fighting for us? The battle isn't always what it appears to be in the natural realm.

The God You Actually Serve

Here's a challenging question: If someone served God exactly the way you serve God, would they make it to heaven? Would you criticize them for the very things you're guilty of? Would you throw stones when you're standing in your own glass house?

This isn't about earning salvation through perfection—it's about integrity and self-awareness. We can't judge the homosexual while committing adultery. We can't condemn the gossip while spreading rumors ourselves. The tongue, as Scripture tells us, is the most unruly member of the body.

Living a life you would approve of if you were watching yourself from the outside—that's the standard. Not perfection, but at least genuine effort. At minimum, being able to say, "God, I really struggled with gossip, but I was trying to stop."

The Naaman Principle: Humility Opens Healing

Naaman, the powerful Syrian commander, faced an incurable disease: leprosy. When directed to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan River, his pride nearly prevented his healing. He wanted clean, clear waters befitting his status, not a dirty creek that looked like it would make him sicker.

But his servant asked a penetrating question: "If the prophet had asked you to do something difficult and expensive, wouldn't you have done it? He only asked you to dip in the river. At least try."

Naaman had nothing to lose. Neither do we.

We all carry a terminal illness called sin. It has contaminated humanity from the beginning, and we cannot cure ourselves. The remedy God offers might not look impressive—it might even seem beneath us. But when we humble ourselves and follow His prescription, healing comes.

After the seventh dip, Naaman emerged with skin like a newborn baby. He declared he would never serve another god except the God of Elisha. An incurable disease was cured, and a life was transformed.

Getting Your Money Right With God

The issue of tithing often creates discomfort, but it deserves honest examination. The tithe wasn't just an Old Testament law—it predated the law. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek before Moses ever received the commandments. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron.

If Jesus operates in the order of Melchizedek, and we are the seed of Abraham, doesn't it follow that we should honor the new Melchizedek—Jesus Christ—in the same way?

Malachi addresses this directly: "You have robbed me. Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings." These are strong words. When we stand before God, we'll need to account for our stewardship, not to earn salvation, but as an expression of faithfulness.

For those without financial means, time and service can be offered instead. God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount.

The Power of Preparation

Here's what sets apart those who walk in spiritual authority: they're prepared before the crisis comes. Elisha didn't find out about Naaman's leprosy and then rush to fast and pray. He was already walking in such intimacy with God that he was ready when the moment arrived.

The rapture will happen suddenly. You won't have time to get ready when it occurs—you must be ready before it happens. This means daily devotion, consistent faithfulness, regular church attendance, and genuine relationship with God.

The Christian life is a lifelong battle, one engagement after another. We put on the whole armor of God not once, but daily, so we can stand against the enemy's schemes.

Dead Bones That Still Carry Life

Even after Elisha died, his anointing remained so powerful that when a dead soldier's body was thrown into his tomb and landed on his bones, the soldier came back to life.

This is the hope for every seemingly dead situation in your life. When you land in the anointing of the Holy Ghost, life returns. That same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you and will quicken your mortal body.

There is hope in your hopeless situation. The battle you thought was over may have just begun, but you serve a God who resurrects dead things.

Are You Ready?

The question isn't whether challenges will come—they will. The question is whether you'll be prepared when they arrive. Will your spiritual eyes be open to see the armies of heaven fighting for you? Will you have the humility to dip in the dirty river when pride says you deserve better? Will your faithfulness in the small things position you for the miraculous?

Get your heart right. Get your money right. Get your life aligned with the God who holds you in His palm. The double portion of anointing isn't just for the prophets of old—it's available for every believer who seeks it with their whole heart.

The battle is real, but so is the victory. And it's already been won.