Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It was warm enough for time on the front porch, but the winds were fierce, so I met with the Alpha and Omega from inside. I could have taken steps to endure the wind on this new day, instead, I took the steps necessary to Reinforce my Journey so that I’m Equipped for all things. He’s the Beginning and the End and the only way to find Peace in a “windy” world riddled with turmoil. I know that, along with this new day, will come a new set of challenges, because my adversary stays busy trying to thwart the Plans God has for us all. But my adversary is well aware by now that I’m a Force to be reckoned with in this Spiritual War, and I’m a bold Warrior for the Kingdom of the Living God. That’s only possible because I straighten up my Armor and I Prepare for the new things each new day. It isn’t easy sometimes, BUT I’m Unstoppable, and I’m always Victorious because of Him IF I make sure to Prepare for what I may face. Isn’t that the way you see your Journey of Faith, too?

I can’t think of anything worse than to be a coward at such a time as this, a time of turmoil where the world NEEDS JESUS CHRIST MORE THAN EVER! I can’t think of anything worse than refusing to mention His Name out of fear of the consequences. I can’t think of anything worse than denying Him in this dark world by remaining silent, and I can’t think of anything worse than losing my Voice for Jesus Christ. I can’t think of anything worse than hiding my Bible in a Bible app on my phone that no one else can see, rather than carrying it around like a statement of Faith everywhere I go. I can’t think of anything worse than refraining from sharing the Gospel because I “don’t know what to say” or relying solely on prayer when I could easily have taken action in His Name. There is only one thing worse than going to Hell, and that’s taking someone with you. Just the idea of these “worse” things keeps me on my Spiritual toes and more Determined than ever to walk out my Faith boldly, no matter what. This is the Key to Victory.

Unfortunately, many people have convinced themselves that they won’t “fold” under pressure for their Faith, but if it could happen to Peter, it could happen to you or me. Peter thought he’d be willing to go to prison or die for Jesus, but all it took was a little pressure from the dark world, and Peter denied even knowing Him. It’s when we stop focusing on Jesus and start focusing on the dangers around us that we fall every single time. Surrounded by uncertainty, Peter sat around the campfire with the locals, trying to fit in with the crowd to avoid being associated with Jesus at all, and he lied three times to save his own skin. We know the rest of the story – Peter repented, and Jesus not only Restored Him, BUT He transformed Peter into the “rock” that would preach from the Heart and tirelessly feed His sheep. Peter’s Journey had a “happy ending,” but it was that part where he wept violently, and shame overtook him at just one “look” from the Master. So when I’m Preparing for the new day and whatever it might bring, I think of Peter, and I fix my eyes on Jesus so that denial isn’t even in my vocabulary. This is the Key to perseverance at such a time as this.

It’s a new day, and I’m ready for it all…the sweet Victories that I am confident will come my way AND the fiery darts from Hell that set out to destroy me. Without Him, I’m powerless – with Him, I’m Victorious! When you look at it that way, why would I ever NOT take the time to Prepare in His Name?

How about you?

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8