Prepare For The Fight

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd October 6, 2015 - Filed in Devotional - 11,624 views
  By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. Hebrews 11:7 ESV
  
  As I lay on the floor of my prayer room and prayed that day, I had no idea that I was about to face one of the worst trials of my life. For three months, I had a driving urge to go and pray every day at three in the afternoon. I would lay on the floor and pray for one to two-and-a-half hours, usually in tears, with no idea as to why, other than I knew that I was supposed to. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the room was so strong that it felt like a warm blanket. Then suddenly, the urging stopped, and the trial soon began.
  
  Our business ground to a halt and all of our income dried up. We could not find a job anywhere, and did not qualify for unemployment. No one would even talk to us or return our calls. What savings we had slowly drained away, and soon the bills started piling up. When we prayed, we only heard silence. The tears that we shed were no longer from His presence, but what felt like abandonment. I know that He will never leave or forsake you, but after this went on for months, I began to wonder.
  
  Finally the week that we were packing to move out of our home, I went into my prayer room and sat down. I no longer had the strength to pray. I just sat there, feeling very much alone. While sitting there in the silence, I had an open vision of me standing in a boxing ring, and the Lord was standing behind me. He said, 'You are not alone, for I am in your corner! Now get in there!' In about 48 hours our whole life changed. I had a great job (I became a pastor) and a friend suddenly stepped in and paid our bills for the month. The trial was over, and like cattle herded through a chute, I found myself in ministry.
  
  Soldiers train ahead of time so when the fight starts, they are ready. Athletes prepare before the competition. Do not wait until you are in the thick of battle to start getting ready for it. Noah built the ark before the flood came. When the storm begins, it is too late to start on the ark. Grab onto whatever you can and hang on; God will come through. When given the chance, prepare for the fight ahead of time and do not ignore those urges to go and pray.
  
  Prayer: Father, help me prepare and be ready before the winds come. Speak to me, draw me aside and fill me with your Spirit Lord. Give me the grace to face the storm, in the name of Jesus.
  
  Note: Good morning! The weekly Bible Study is now up, covering Luke Chapter 23. We pray that you will be blessed and look forward to your participation!