Be Prepared: Know the Plan
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Do you have a detailed home evacuation plan place in case of an emergency? Do you have an emergency kit in your car in case of bad weather? During our winter months, these plans are sometimes put to the test. Perhaps you’ve been caught up in the car during the snow Armageddons or had a fire in your home when you had to exit the house. Maybe you have had none of those experiences, but at least you have thought out the plan and tested it in your mind.
At Kennestone Hospital, we frequently test plans for evacuations and/or catastrophic events (such as COVID or an armed shooter). After testing, we review those plans with all parties and discuss ways to improve upon the effectiveness and efficiency of the plan, striving for the best possible results. Did you know God has a preparative plan in place for you? Have you run through a drill to make sure you are ready? Yep! God has a rescue plan for humanity. It encompasses forgiveness of our past sins, a transformation routine you must complete, and a future glorification that includes a new homelife in heaven, as a child of God. It’s God’s greatest gift to us, salvation through Jesus Christ!
It’s a simple plan…declare Jesus is Lord, start transforming yourself to be more like Jesus to be ready for the next life, and trust with all your heart God loves you and has your back! But you do have a part to perform, you need to be willing to transform into a new creature. So how do we, God’s creation, prepare? To discover what the Bible can teach us about the preparation plans; here’s what I found out that we need:
Obedience. In Genesis 6:9-22, I learned Noah’s story. His commitment to building the ark, the detailed plans he followed to complete it, and his obedience and readiness for God’s warning. Noah lived at a time when creation had become corrupt and wicked. God had decided to destroy all living creatures he had created, but Noah and his family were still faithful and therefore God decided to spare the family. God gives a very detailed plan to Noah; build an ark that measured 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. God specifies the materials to be used, how the structure would look all away around and through the boat, including levels it would have, the window and door; with exact measurements. Then God tells Noah to be ready to receive two of every kind of animal (male and female) that will come to him. God tells Noah the food to pack for the journey for both Noah’s family and the animals that will also be with them. Notice only those animals who come on their own, no matter what Noah thinks about who should enter the ark…only if God sends them, do they get to go. Some must be left behind. So, Noah did everything exactly as instructed.
Vigilance. In Matthew 24:42, we are told to wait and be prepared for the return of Christ. It highlights the need for constant vigilance so that we don’t miss out being ready for the return. Jesus tells us that not even himself knows the exact time of his return; God alone knows the moment. Instead, we need to look for the signs and be ready for Jesus’ return. In Acts 1:11, Angels repeat the message to the disciples that Jesus’ return will be just like when Jesus departed, taken up into the clouds in a sudden and profound way. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 tells us that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, an unexpected return. These verses signal our need to actively focus on faith, love and good works so that we are prepared for Jesus’ return.
Perseverance. Proverbs 6:6-8 tells us that we should learn from an ant! Have you ever created an ant farm or watched an ant accomplish its task? If you have, then you know much about the efforts an ant goes through to capture and prepare its food in the summer. Sometimes the strength and distance an ant goes through is rather spectacular; lifting things twice as big or heavy, carrying that package over rough or nearly impossible terrain. Notice the trials and efforts an ant overcomes to go over rocks, twigs and other obstructions and the persistence it has to get to the end goal. We must have this same enthusiasm to pursue holiness and righteousness.
Use Practical Wisdom. Proverbs 27:12 also tells us to be mindful of the dangers around us and to be prepared for those experiences. You have to take practical steps in your life to plan for potential challenges, whether financial, emotional, or spiritual. It is through regular prayer and study of the Word that helps us maintain readiness for all life’s challenges. Constant communication with God is the needed to implement God’s plan; along with being around others who can help you perfect your understanding of the plan. That is the reason for the church, to hold us all accountable for our progress towards readiness and preparation. We can bounce our ideas about God’s plan and help us prepare each other; discover where we should continue to focus and perfect our understanding.
Trust. Finally, being prepared involves trusting in the plan itself. Relying on guidance helps alleviate anxiety about completing the task. Like all plans, we have to trust and believe that the plan can and will save our life. There is no difference here…you must believe and trust in God’s plan with all your heart.
Prayer
Lord, help us stay alert and ready for your plan’s implementation. Guide us in our studies and prayers to what needs changed in our lives so that we are ready for Your future. Help us remain vigilant, use practical wisdom in life’s uncertainties, and have the trust and confidence to go boldly where you send us. Amen.
Karen Horton
