A Time To Prepare

A Time to Prepare

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

Ephesians 6:15

This time of year, Amish folks are gathering their harvest or are attending vegetable auctions where they can get food in bulk to put up for the winter. The women are busy canning vegetables, including tomatoes, to use for soups, sauces, relishes, and so on for months to come. The Amish value preparation, which means they understand the benefits of delayed gratification. Hard work in the kitchen now means great meals later this winter. For the Amish, peace comes from knowing that God watches over them and that they are doing the hard work of preparing for the winter to come.

The Bible talks about the peace that comes from the Good News, which makes us prepared. Christians are to be prepared with the gospel of peace in the same way that ancient soldiers prepared to meet attacks they might face. They were to be ready for action. Peace meant they were on firm footing for what was to come.

The Amish spend time, energy, and knowledge to prepare. They know winter is coming, and they start getting ready months ahead of time. They expect the worst and stockpile needed items. Yet I can imagine the peace that comes when they see their pantries and cellars full. Even as the sun shines around him, an Amish man can picture the stacks of firewood needed to heat his home.

Do you expect that there will be “winter seasons” in your spiritual walk? What are you doing to prepare yourself for those seasons? Do you look to God’s Word to stockpile truth and strengthen your faith? Do you continue to grow closer in your relationship with God so that it will be a natural thing to turn to Him during hardship?

We make a mistake when we simply enjoy the sunny seasons of life and do not see them as a time of preparation. Whatever season you’re in, turn to God and ask Him to help you prepare for the next one.

Dear heavenly Father, it’s so easy to see these sunny days as picnic weather and not remember that they are also a time of preparation. Help me to stockpile Your Word and Your truth in my heart.