Archives for March 2012

Prepared for Storms

If any of you experienced a mild winter like we did this season, you have me to thank for it. That’s right. I may be to blame for the lack of snow. Why? I bought new snow boots this year :)

I’ve wanted new ones for years. Oh, I had some I could wear in the yard or for shoveling walks, but I didn’t wear them out in public. Guess I would rather end up with snow in my shoes than look extra dorky. After all, I’ve already got enough dorky going on :)

But now that college and wedding expenses are behind us, I decided I could splurge on myself and buy some snow boots that didn’t embarrass me. I made my purchase and then waited for a big snowfall—a big snowfall that never came.

My boots have been ready, though. Out of the box and on call, waiting patiently in my closet. They must feel very neglected, not getting to make one appearance this winter. Poor things. Or should I say poor me! :)

I’ll let them stand in readiness until the calendar changes to April—just in case of a late breaking storm. (It’s been known to happen around here.) But after that, back in the box they’ll go to give my sandals and flip flops prime closet territory. There my anxious-to-be-worn snow boots will dream of frigid winter days filled with deep drifts of snow and icy surfaces waiting to be traversed.

And as for me, I guess it’s better to be prepared for deep drifts—of snow or problems in general—than to find myself trudging through the depths without the protection I need.

I’m obviously ready for the next big snowstorm, but am I ready for whatever life-storm blows into my world next? Am I ready to trudge through illness or pain, through disappointment or loss?

The best way I know to be prepared for the deep blows of life is to walk in close fellowship with my Lord day in and day out. Meeting with Him in prayer, in worship, and in His Word. Relying on Him for everything. Ready to call on Him at all times.

Beyond that, I’d also be wise to stay connected to others. To nurture and maintain relationships with my family, friends, and fellow church members. To accept and be strengthened by their support in times of need.

Are you ready for the deep drifts that await you? Do you have the protection you need? If not, I encourage you to reach out—to the Lord and to others. Make sure you’re prepared for storms.

“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” Proverbs 10:25

An Opportune Time

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:13

Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior, was well-acquainted with temptation during His days here on earth. Scripture tells us that immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit sent Him into the desert where He was tempted by Satan for forty days (Mark 1:9-13).

The gospels of Matthew and Luke show how the devil tried different tactics to cause the perfect Son of God to stumble and sin, but the enemy had no success. Jesus stood strong, using the Word of God as a shield and weapon against the devil’s schemes.

Satan knew he lost the battle in the desert. As the verse in Luke (above) points out, he left Jesus—at least for the moment. He had plans, though. Plans to attack again at an opportune time. And he did.

One of those times happened just after Jesus told his disciples He would suffer and be killed and then rise again on the third day (Mark 8:31-33). When Peter tried to rebuke Jesus for speaking of such an unthinkable thing, Jesus recognized this as another temptation—another of the enemy’s attempts to cause Him to stumble.

Satan must have thought Jesus would be more vulnerable as the time drew nearer for Him to face death. Definitely, an opportune time to attack again. Combine that with the appeal of one of Jesus’ close friends, and he had the perfect opportunity indeed. But Jesus stood strong once again. “‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said.’” (Mark 8:33) He was ready to resist. Ready for Satan’s attacks during opportune moments.

Are we ready to resist when the enemy comes at us during times when we’re vulnerable or caught unaware? What do our opportune times look like?

Our opportune moments could come when we’re exhausted or sick or worried. They might happen when we experience either failure or success or when we’re on the cusp of a new venture or ministry (like Jesus’ temptation in the desert). We’re especially vulnerable when we’ve neglected time in the Word or in prayer—when we’ve allowed ourselves to grow distant from Jesus or have become complacent in our spiritual lives.

Let’s be alert to Satan’s tactics. He will wait for an opportune time, and then he’ll be there, ready to tempt us. Will we be ready to resist?

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

*What can you do to be ready for Satan’s attacks?

*Flickr photo by seyed mostafa zamani