Prepared for Difficult Times

Everybody has experienced a desire for change. The cycle of life, undoubtedly, has many seasons of change. Like Solomon’s words, “…there is a season for everything.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)  With these seasons of change we know inevitably, there will be some that challenge and stretch us, some will just be plain hard.  Let’s take a look at some ways to be prepared for difficult times.

Too many times I’ve found myself wondering, “What do I do now?” As I contemplate the future, the time to take action is before the storm hits. I know there is no way to be prepared for some things, but there is Someone who can help in all things!  As many of you know we’re only here (in your current situation) for a little while…like the seasons change, so will your circumstances.

Not all changes will be hard, that’s for certain, but when they are you will see what kind of person you are.

 

How To Be Prepared

Let’s take a look at some ways to be prepared for difficult times:

Be Prepared Physically

Taking the time now to prepare for job layoffs or storms that find you without electricity for days, maybe even weeks, can greatly reduce the stress of those kinds of hard times.

Physically, also would include your health. Be as healthy as you can be! This can help you endure difficult times easier. Have enough food and water to suffice you for at least 30 days. Continually add, but this is a good starting point.

Be Prepared Mentally/Emotionally

To be prepared mentally, I mean, be able to keep yourself together. Don’t freak out…don’t loose control of your emotions. Don’t let fear, anxiety, worry, stress and all the emotions that can be damaging, dictate what you do in the season of hard times. “I will be with him in trouble.” (Psalm 91:15)  “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You….”(Isaiah 26:3)

Trying times can pull out the best and worst of us. Be strong for You, then you can be strong for everyone else counting on you. Enjoy some hobbies that help you relax. Know yourself well enough to recognize when you need a time out to recharge and calm down. Being prepared mentally overlaps with the third way to be prepared during hard times…

 

Be Prepared Spiritually

Go ahead everyday and pray on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). After you’ve suited up, pray some more! Read scripture, memorize scripture, and pray scripture! Try journaling, listening to and writing about how God is leading you. Write prayers and make God a prioity NOW! Don’t wait until things fall apart to seek God.

And the peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

I hope you come through your next hard time shining! Everyday will definitely not be hard, but when it is, call on Jesus for help. Most importantly, please make sure you know him. “…Work out you own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

I’ll leave you with some verses to ponder.

Romans 10:9  “if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.”

Revelation 3:20 “Listen!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.”

John 3:16 “For God loved the world in this way:  He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

 

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Leave me a comment and let me know how you’ve weathered seasons of hard times!  God bless you.

Talk to you soon,

Alisha