While practicing my Toastmasters speech in my hotel room this past week, the fire alarm blasted a warning. I shut off my laptop, grabbed my cell and room key, and stepped into the hallway—thankful my room was at the end of the hall next to the stairs. I felt the door before I opened it and descended five flights to safety outdoors.
Within minutes fire fighters arrived to assess the situation. A fireman later told the hotel guests a sprinkler on the fourth floor malfunctioned. We needed to prepare ourselves for the possibility the alarm could go off during the night because of testing the system. But, since we wouldn’t know for sure whether the alarm was a test or an actual fire, we should be ready to exit the building.
Leave my room in my pajamas? I prepared to sleep fully clothed with my shoes nearby.
We must be mindful of emergencies that may arise and prepare for them. We also need to know what Scripture teaches us about being ready.
Study God’s Word
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To be prepared, we must read the readiness manual—God’s Word.
Serve Others
God calls us to love others and put their interests before our own. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them (Romans 12:13a).
Share Our Eternal Hope
. . . you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it (1 Peter 3:15). We must live our lives to honor Christ and bring Him glory, share His love and hope with others, and tell how He’s changed our lives.
Suffer for Christ
Whether you are insulted for your beliefs or attacked physically, persecution is here. We need to stand firm in our faith. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News (2 Timothy 1:8b).
Expect the Lord’s Return
You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected (Matthew 24:44). We not only need to expect His return but live as though He may arrive today.
These are only a few verses which call us to be ready, prepared, and equipped. If you have others you’d like to share, please do so.