ARE WE PREPARED?
Two Martial Arts artist were in Los Angeles for a grappling tournament. “They were walking through the hotel lobby when they saw the robber, who had gone behind the hotel’s counter, pulled out a gun, and demanded money. The clerk handed over the cash, but yelled for help. Alvarez and Denney jumped on the robber, and while Denney controlled his wrists, Alvarez sunk in a rear naked choke. They held him in place until police arrived.” Two men foiled a robber because they were prepared. They had trained themselves and knew how to handle the situation.
As Christians we come into contact with a lot of different situations. We are tempted by the devil to do wrong. Are we prepared? Have we been trained? On occasions a door will be opened to us, by which we may teach someone the gospel. Are we ready? Have we been trained? Do we know what to do? There are Bible passages that remind us how we can confront both situations.
First how can be ready in time of temptation? Note the following from the Bible:
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105)
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
We never know when the devil is going to attack so we must always be prepared. James admonishes us, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).
Are we prepared when we have the opportunity to teach someone the gospel or need to defend the faith in some way? Again the scriptures give us the answer:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
We will not be able to answer every question or know how to approach every subject but by knowing the word of God and studying ways by which we may teach others we will be prepared when the occasion arises.
Granddaughters Amber and Hannah are both Black Belts in Tae-kwon-do. Having been with them during their training and testing it is a well-known fact that it is rigorous. It takes hours of practice. It takes studying the Bible, worshipping and training and be ready when the time comes, either to avoid temptation or teach someone the gospel.
Larry