Prepare in Advance

We sometimes wonder why things keep happening to us. We wonder why we continually have issues to deal with and problems on our minds. We think about and get overwhelmed at times in many areas of our lives and can't seem to understand why things aren't getting any easier. The answer is life isn't easy. We will be faced with problems and struggles, but it is all about how we prepare for and handle them.

It's seems a little depressing to say we will always be faced with challenges. But it is reality. There will always be struggles while we are on this earth. Once we learn to accept these facts and know how to deal with the situations, we will take them on as a part of life and see what we can do to learn from them.

The problems we face could happen in just one area of our lives such as in our relationships or finances. However, eventually, if we don't handle these problems, they could move in other areas such as career, spirituality, ministry and health. These areas of our lives all intertwine. When we have control in these areas of our lives, we can better manage the problems when they occur. The best way to have control is to let go and give it to God to handle.

Ephesians 6:10-12 "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

The best way to prepare for struggles is to be sure we are doing all we should be doing in these areas of our lives. God tells us to put Him first in everything we do. We need to look in all areas of our lives and be sure He is first in them all. When we wonder why the right things aren't happening to us, we probably need to look to see if we are doing the right things for God.

With our spirituality, we need to be sure we have a close relationship with God where we know we can talk to Him at any time and we can give Him our problems and He will handle them. We need to read His word, listen to His guidance and use His words and guidance to help us through our struggles.

When we have health issues, more often than not, we can prepare in advance by taking care of ourselves. We can treat our bodies as God has instructed us to. We don't need to overeat, abuse our bodies with drugs or alcohol or do anything to our bodies that God doesn't allow us to do.

In relationships, we may always think it is the other person who has the issues; however, we need to look deep within ourselves. Are we doing the things we need to do to make the relationship work? Are we giving to others and asking for nothing in return? Are we showing them the love God wants us to show to them?

In our finances, we may have more bills than we have income. We may be struggling to pay everything and it is taking a toll on us. We need to be sure we are giving God the first portion of our earnings. We need to be sure we aren't spending money on things we don't really need or that we are addicted to. We need to be sure we are giving and helping with some of our money rather than using it all for ourselves.

On the job, we may feel like we are being overlooked or treated unfairly. We may feel we are worth more money than we are getting paid. However, we need to be sure we are putting forth the effort for the pay we are receiving. We need to arrive at work on time, work all day to earn an honest pay and take ownership of our jobs as if we were the controlling factor of the company's success.

In our ministry, we should look for ways to share God's word with others. We need to be in sure in all areas of our lives, we are sharing the Gospel of Christ and telling others what God has done for us. We won't have much to share if we aren't living as God wants us to. We need to remember what God has done for us and look for opportunities to share with others using our talents He has given us.

Next time we are upset about a particular area of our lives, we need to see if we have done all we can do in that area. We need to be sure we have done the right things and what God wants us to do. Whether it is spirituality, relationships, health, finances, career or ministry, we need to put God first in our lives, give to others and not give in to our own selfish desires. When we prepare ahead in these areas by putting God first, then we can make a difference.