July 22nd, 2012 
Up4Dsn 
Are You Prepared?
“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” 1 John 2:28 (ESV)
Our next topic in this series is, Are You Prepared. Often times we think we are prepared for things in our lives but find out later that we didn’t properly prepare. Being prepared means to make ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion. The confusion comes in when WE have to decide how prepared we should be oppose to how prepared we really are. At this point, our scale of preparation is based on our experiences, faith and what we feel we can accomplish. In 1 John 2:28 (ESV) it reads, “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” Faith plays the most important role in being prepared, without it you will never be.
Sometimes being prepared doesn’t require the support of others. Often times in fact, others will not support what you are preparing for because your faith is in what you believe and theirs is in what they see. We wake up in the mornings, prepare ourselves for work, get the children off to school and carry out the day with whatever it has to offer. Preparation makes ready the things that are to come to us. Take Noah for example, everyone knows the story about the Ark but could you imagine all the ridicule he took building it. In that 120 years that it took building the Ark, he walked preaching to the people preparation for what was to come. Like we all could imagine, he was laughed at, talked about, looked down upon and that was by the people he knew. But, in Hebrews 11:7 (ESV) it says, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Understanding that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen, Noah did what he was instructed to do. Because of his obedience, God prepared him and saved him all at once. Many of us have things that God wants to give to us but because we are not prepared, its hard to do so. Would you give the keys to your car to a 10 year old or your bank information to a gambler? I wouldn’t either.
Understanding that preparation requires time, and we live in a world that wants everything right then and there, its worth it. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) tells us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God is not slow to fulfill his promises but in order to receive his promises, we have to be prepared. People only see what they are prepared to see and receive only what they are prepared to receive. God even provides help in the preparation stage. There is no greater love than the love that Christ provides for His people. I challenge you today, to ask God to reveal to you “areas” where you need to change and improve but allow Him the lead in the restoring process. For our help is in the Lord!
Be Blessed!
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Christian Rapper and Founder of Words of Encouragement and I’m Doin’ Jesus Records
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This was a great read, right now I'm in preparation for a new addition. I know that God has me and He will make sure I'm ready for what comes. I prepare in other way, but I have faith that whatever God has planned will come to pass.
Most def! God is definitely with you. He will always be by your side.
Great read. Didn't realize it took Noah 120 years to build the ark!!! I'm currently on a plan to read the entire Bible and I must've missed that part (regarding the length of time).
I struggle with preparation in regards to overthinking and worrying. While I've improved…there's still work to be done.
That's a LOOONG time ain't it? Talk about patience and faith. Some stuff I couldn't wait a week for, let alone 120 years. That's some serious strength. He knew God was with him. I pray to get my faith on a level near that.Enjoy your journey through the bible. There is so much within it.Thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your thoughts. It means a lot.Have a blessed day!
Thank you! I read Matthew, Luke, John and Mark a few months ago, and did a couple of other reading plans…but I'm gonna read it cover to cover…in 90 days…wish me luck!!!
Nice! I know you can do it. One day at a time. You know?
I loved this!!
Much needed confirmation for events that have taken place in the past and are taking place in my life, here and now. I thank God for my struggles or else I wouldn't be as comfortable where I am at this moment. I'm sure everyone has a testimony where they can add up a timeline of events where they felt the need to take a step back and question their faith or even God's motives… My Grandmother passed along the most valuable peice of information every time. "it's only a test" Had I never heard those words, I don't know how I would have overcome some of these events that have occured.
My recent post Sleeping With The Enemy
Those are some powerful words Candi. Life truly is a test. We just have to remember that, keep our composure and just in God. He will always be with us along the journey we are traveling.Thank you so much for reading this message. I'm glad it had a positive impact on you too.
Not a problem J, All of GS posts always have a positive impact on me
I'm composed J! Moreso now than ever before. I made a promise to myself a few years back to walk by faith and not by sight, it actually takes a lot of practice. I got the hang of it though. And I never knew that being slapped in the face by so many blessings at one time could feel so good!
My recent post Sleeping With The Enemy
Yeah! It's an amazing feeling. It's difficult to do when you start. But once you get used to it you never want to go back to relying on yourself. God has it all under control.