True expectation requires preparation.
Mark 5:2 – And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit
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I have already shared with you the danger of gauging anything of our Christian walk on tactics, devices, or actions of the devil against us. Today I want to talk about the issue of expectance from the other side of the coin. When one truly expects something of significance to happen, one will generally make plans to be ready for the event. When you know your vacation begins in two weeks, and your employer requires all your work to be up to day before you can go, you will make whatever effort is needful so you can leave for your vacation. When the weather forecast is for a hurricane to strike the coast where you live in two days in its full fury, you will board up your doors and windows, perhaps sandbag some areas, and possibly even move inland until the storm is past. When you truly expect some of significance to happen, you will prepare for it.
If you know anything at all about living in the realm of the Spirit and walking by faith, you KNOW there is an enemy that is out to steal from you, kill you, and destroy your heritage. You know that because you know the nature of your enemy. He doesn’t need a reason. That is his nature. You likewise know that you will, at some point, be the target of the revelation of that nature. And IF you know it, IF you expect it, you WILL do what is necessary to prevent the theft, the killing, and the destruction. That is called PREVENTIVE measures, NOT DEFENSIVE measures. IF you truly expect Satan to demonstrate his nature, you will take PREVENTIVE measures so that if you must take DEFENSIVE measures, your defense will be fully effective.
Allow this writing to be an eye-opening encouragement to you. Are you a Christian? Are you truly following the Lord? The you know you have an enemy who WILL come against you. To that end I urge you, I implore you, I beg you, take PREVENTIVE measures to be FULLY PREPARED when, not if, he does. Invest your time in the Word and pour all of God’s Word into your heart you possibly can. By so doing, you will build your Father-pleasing faith. Pray. Pray with ceasing. Pray in the understanding. Pray in the Spirit. Live a daily life of strength building praise, so that when tribulation come, you can count it all joy. Guard yourself by avoiding fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and always guard your conversation. Remember, Jesus is coming. If you believe that, then be prepared. He IS coming.
Manna for Today – Mark 5:1-20; Mark 4; John 10:10; Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 20-21; James 1:1-9