Thursday, July 31, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 John

"When the opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare." – John Wooden, former basketball coach at UCLA.

This quote isn't just for athletes or leaders; it's a principle that can speak directly to your faith. When life gets hard, preparation can be the difference between panic and perseverance.

For example, if we wait until life gets hard to start living out God’s Word, we may find ourselves unprepared. The Apostle Paul knew this. Writing to the church in Ephesus, he gave a clear call:

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... so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:10-13, selected verses)

Notice, Paul doesn't say to find your armor when the battle comes. He tells us to put it on and be ready.

Staying ready means understanding that the battle isn't if, it's when. Preparation doesn't start in crisis; spiritual strength is built through prayer, time in God's Word, and worship.

Being ready also includes living a life that provokes questions. When others ask where your peace comes from, you'll be ready.

1 Peter 3:15
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

Wearing the armor doesn't mean having every answer; it means that by being prepared, you will be ready to adapt to new situations. It means living equipped with truth, peace, faith, and God's Word. Paul calls this the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14–18), and every piece has a purpose.

Here's the key: God never instructs us to take it off. The armor isn’t spiritual formalwear, it’s daily gear for real life. 

Why? The enemy doesn't take days off, and neither should your readiness.

Yes, the battle is real, but so is your defense. Your enemy is strong, but God is infinitely stronger. So, live prepared, stay equipped, and walk in confidence. 

Being ready isn’t about reacting when life gets hard, it’s about living surrendered every day.

Questions:
What are you currently doing to prepare your heart and mind for spiritual battles?

When life gets difficult, do you find yourself reacting or responding with readiness? Why?

Next Steps:
Set aside intentional time each day for quiet preparation. Start by reading Ephesians 6:10–18, journal your thoughts, and ask God to show you where you need to grow stronger in his armor. Focus on one piece of armor each day and reflect on how to apply it in your daily life.

Prayer:
God, thank you for equipping me with everything I need to stand firm. Please help me not to wait until the pressure hits to pursue you. Teach me to prepare in private through your Word, through prayer, and trust in you. Strengthen me from the inside out, and remind me daily that readiness is a way of life, not a last resort. I trust you to lead me, protect me, and use me for your purpose. In Jesus' name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

This post was adapted from the 3 in 30 message shared by Nate Campau at Perrysburg. Nate is the Director of Students at the Perrysburg Campus.