I recently read a story about a man in his fifties who hired a personal trainer because he wanted to get stronger. He met with his trainer weekly and learned proper techniques, then applied what he learned in workouts 3-5 times per week. Over the next year, he became stronger and reached many of his goals. One day, he received some unexpected and terrible news: he had been diagnosed with cancer. He bravely fought through difficult treatments and chemotherapy, eventually beating the cancer and coming out a survivor. The man said afterward that he believed his weight training had helped him survive the disease. At the time, he didn’t know he was strengthening his body to make it through cancer; but when he was diagnosed, he was ready to fight. 

I liked that story and think it can apply in spiritual matters. Reading the Bible and remaining in prayer helps us become more like Christ and grow in our faith. But I realized we also need to make these spiritual disciplines part of our lives because like the man in the story above, we often don’t know what we are “training” for. 

 
When tragedy strikes, we can always reach out to God for help, even if we haven’t talked to Him in a while. But how much more peace would we have if His Word were fresh in our mind? How much easier would it be to get spiritual guidance if we already reached out to God daily? 

Ephesians 6:10-11 says, 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. 

What we are preparing for may not be a difficulty but instead a blessing or even a calling. When God blesses you with a leadership position, are you ready to invest in the next generation? When you’re blessed with a raise at work, are you ready to be generous with your money? When you become a parent, are you ready to lead your child to Christ? When you have the opportunity to share your faith, will you have the boldness to do so? 

Luke 12:48b says, From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. 

We don’t always know what we are “training” for, but God does. He’s given us all the tools we need to face whatever comes our way, whether it’s a trial or a blessing. Are you “training” daily in God’s Word and in prayer to be ready for whatever is coming next? 

by Melissa Landon Schnell 

Melissa is an editor at automation.com, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, a cyclist, a book lover, and a grammar enthusiast. She lives in Lexington with her husband Daykin, dog Zoey, and cat Scooter.