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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