Battle Ready

 

Daily Gratitude- Year 14 - Day 47: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be battle ready.

Scar is the villain in "The Lion King." He is jealous, a liar, and murderous. Still, I love the song, "Be Prepared." We all need reminders at times to be prepared. 

Knowing and trusting that God is on the throne does not excuse us from good effort preparations. We are  told not to worry. We are instructed to not be lazy or unprepared when a task or assignment is in front of us. 

This passage captured my heart today. I have many I care about preparing for or engaged in cancer battles. Others are dealing with other struggles and seasons of grief. We are instructed to prepare for the day, but to remember that the victory belongs to Him. 

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." -Proverbs 21:31

Lent starts this week. How quickly we move from Christmas to Easter! Jesus's time of ministry is estimated to be about three years. That must have felt short, too. These 40 days will fly by swiftly, and we will once again be at the foot of the cross. For some, it is a time of remembering and gratitude. For others, it will be a time of decision-making. Christmas was about the gift. Easter is a gift that requires a choice and response.  

Then, as now, the world was full of trouble and political unrest. History always seems to repeat itself in one way or another. Illness, financial struggles, evil, and other trials can create a sense of fear and unrest. Prayer is not a last resort defensive move, it is the first line of offense. 

Are we battle ready? Is the horse prepared? The victory is the Lord's, but we are required to show up prepared for the day. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be battle ready.

(image from Pinterest, source unknown)