Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Ephesians 6:13 MSG

Sunday we had such a great time in service! The praise and worship was awesome and Pastor Mike taught a powerful message on the value of change while declaring 2017 as the year of change. As he began to dive into the Word of God, he shared on how so many mismanage opportunities of change due to three things: one being fear, two they canโ€™t afford the commitment of change, and three their affiliates.ย  While he was ministering he asked a young lady from the congregation to come to the front. As she made her way to the front, I noticed how she lost a lot of weight. He asked, โ€œWhat did it cost you to lose the weight?โ€ The young lady began to share so many great nuggets about eating habits and how her commitment and consistency helped her to prepare and maintain her lifestyle change. One thing that stuck out to me that she shared was the necessity of preparation. She took us through the process of how she prepares her meals in advance so that her commitment to her lifestyle isnโ€™t compromised.

That was so good to me! A lot of people donโ€™t prepare. I am one who prepares. I lay my clothes out for church the night before. I prepare my conference almost a year out. I pack a week in advance when I travel. The young lady was sharing about weight, but preparation covers all areas. The blogs you read here, I want you to always apply to every area of your life. When something comes up unexpectedly it doesnโ€™t throw me off, I just make an adjustment. Like if my husband wants to go out or something comes up at church and I have something else to pack for it doesnโ€™t throw me because I am already ready. You must prepare in private so you can present in public.

One of my most recent changes was becoming an empty nester.ย  You may have read my blog about my experience (read here).ย  What I did not share is that I prepared for this season of my life. This transition was not as difficult as it could have been for me because of my preparation. Mentally and emotionally I began to accept what I knew to be apart of life – that my children would move on as independent adults. You accept it before you get to it. You donโ€™t fear it, and you donโ€™t let anyone talk you out of it, you commit to the change and you move forward.

The same with spiritual matters, itโ€™s the order of God to be prepared. Prepare means to expect. Itโ€™s like a woman giving birth. She makes all the preparations necessary to make sure that her baby and herself have everything they need. She chooses where to live and if it’s a good environment for her baby, she paints and decorates the baby room, buys a bed, clothes, toys, bottles, and other stuffโ€ฆ She is in a posture of expectation. What are you expecting? Stop saying you are expecting something if you are not preparing to receive. If you are planning to marry and canโ€™t cook or clean or donโ€™t brush your teeth you should start.

Stay connected and stay prepared.