Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG

Walt and I recently purchased a home and moved last weekend. I won’t bore you with all the details but let’s just say it was crazy.  After months of packing and preparing, gathering information, making adjustments, changing dates, arranging movers and taking care of all the details, we were exhausted to say the least. When we had finished cleaning the condo, we were both in so much pain it felt like everything hurt. Then I did something I rarely do, I cried.

I cried because I was in pain. I cried because of all the pent up frustrations, the misunderstandings, the overwhelming feeling that I’d never be finished unpacking and putting everything away. Then I pulled myself up by my emotional bootstraps and did what needed to be done and while doing it, I began to refocus my attention on God. I thanked Him for the astounding favor and miracles in the process. I worshipped Him because He was enough and knew that He would take care me. I handed Him all of it and He gladly took it.

After a brief stop at home to unload supplies, Walt took me out to dinner and as I sat there reflecting I realized that all my pain was gone. Just like that! Just in the changing my focus from me to Him, gone! I heard Him speak to my spirit, “See what happens when you focus on me instead of the problem?”

With anything you’re giving birth to, there is pain in the process but remember this; Between contractions, take time to rest and renew your strength. Much is needed to deliver the things God has placed inside of you.

Let me coach you a moment. Don’t be distracted by anything that is not going to benefit you in your walk with the Lord during this time. Keep your eyes trained on Jesus. Watch for His direction. He will tell you when to push and when to breathe and when to rest. Do not allow the enemy to steal what is inside of you.

Just as Paul instructed us, Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.