Pastor Aaron Brown

Today I woke up tired, sore, and grumpy. This would have been a reeeally nice day to coast through and avoid unnecessary tension. However, I know by now that one day off of exercising quickly turns into one week, one month and before you know it one year of avoiding the tension of health and growth. So, I intentionally chose to put on my running clothes, and when I left the house I chose my running shoes because what you prepare for in the morning determines where you end up later in the day.

About an hour after leaving the house I ended up with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and feeling MUCH better about myself and my life. Later in the day I ended up with more energy to give to people and problem-solving. This evening I ended up watching my daughter’s cheer practice and loving my life. Like an avalanche of health and positivity, a good day started with the small but intentional act of putting on the right gear.

Our preparation determines our destination.

This is true in every area of our lives, and it certainly applies to our spiritual readiness. Exercising regularly is important, but my spiritual readiness is so much more essential than my physical health! Consider this encouragement from Paul…

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Apostle Paul, Ephesians 6:10-13

There is an unseen and eternal battle that is raging all around us. Every day heaven and hell are at war for the hearts and minds of humanity and that conflict is a part of every situation that I encounter. It affects how I respond to conflict, how I treat others, how I see myself, and, most importantly, how I represent Christ and His church here on earth.

The Christian faith teaches that I have been given all the provision and power that I need for life and godliness. Am I living like it? Do others see the victory that I have in Christ and wonder about the hope that I have even in hardship?? Am I so healthy and prepared spiritually for my own life that I’m also ready to help others who are struggling to stand? It’s SO easy to let my spiritual health slip, and when I do it also affects my health wholistically and has the potential to sideline me from effectiveness in the spiritual war that threatens to hold people back from the full and healthy lives that God has designed them for. That’s the ultimate destination that every human heart aches for: the right relationship with God, others, and ourselves. Let’s gear up so that we’re ready to pursue it for ourselves, and also to support the ones we love!

For me, the most effective way to prepare for the day spiritually is reading my audio Bible daily while exercising, and discussing it with both people who share my faith and those who have different beliefs.

What are some ways that you prepare for your day spiritually and put on the armor of God regularly?