It’s always something. My mother favored this little phrase as a response to the crazy, unpredictable life we live. Sometimes it seems like no matter what we do, we could never truly prepare for what life brings, especially when it comes to our ministries. When expectation is far from reality, the immediate temptation of my flesh is discouragement. The Spirit’s desire for us goes against our flesh, prompting us to push forward in faithfulness. The life of Paul demonstrates how ministry leads us to people and places that will inevitably challenge us. There will be times where we wonder what went wrong, where we feel like we are not qualified or capable, where we just want to quit. 

So how do we prepare for ministry that is inevitably messy? How do we share in Christ’s suffering and continue to faithfully press on toward the goal? I want to highlight a practical way provided by the scriptures to intentionally prepare for life in and for Christ. Consider these phrases from Paul’s letters:

• “…being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…” (Colossians 1:11, ESV)

• “… and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe…” (Ephesians 1:19)

• “… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16)

• “… according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20)

Paul’s preparation is primarily focused on God’s power. One of the quickest ways to rob ourselves of confidence in Christ is reverting back to our own abilities and strength. Perhaps Paul is asking us to be aware of the ways that we are expecting our own power to pull through as we respond to the challenges we face. In what ways are we depending on our own will and way to provide a solution to the problems we face? The scriptures instruct us to live in an unceasing posture of prayer. When we offer ourselves in prayer, we offer God control of our circumstance. We take our focus off ourselves and onto Him whom we trust. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) reminds us of the necessary transition from self to Savior. We live in daily dependence on the Lord, asking each day that He provides what we need. As we ask God for this daily bread, I want us to consider asking God to also equip us in the truth of Ephesians 6:10-20, the famous passage concerning the armor of God.

To best understand the weight of putting on God’s armor, it is necessary that we acknowledge the instruction that has preceded the call to put on the armor. Previously in Ephesians, Paul gives instruction on unity, new life in Christ, walking in love, and obedience. While he shares wisdom concerning these topics, he ends the letter urging believers to heed his call to action and put on the armor of God. In light of all Paul has said, we must first equip ourselves for battle. Before we begin pursuing any part of what God has called us to, it is crucial that we begin by preparing ourselves in the power and presence of God. Paul understands that we cannot confidently stand in any circumstance if we do not first invite God to fill us with His power and work His plan through us. In order to charge boldly into battle, it only makes sense that we put on the armor. 

Paul clearly warns that we will experience serious opposition. I fear going a day alone—or even an hour—without the power and presence of God against the “schemes of the devil” and the “spiritual forces of evil.” While we are subject to spiritual warfare, we know that if we stand in the power of Christ, He will sustain us. So if we are to truly “stand” and “be strong,” we must start by taking the armor of God seriously. How often do you put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the readiness given by the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit? I challenge you to pray over each piece of the armor, that God may equip you and strengthen you. An authentic pursuit of all pieces of armor is a way to proactively prepare and prioritize spiritual growth and readiness.

So to the one who wonders what went wrong, who doesn’t feel qualified or capable, who just wants to quit, I implore you to start praying the armor of God onto yourself every morning. Walk boldly into the battle the Lord has so clearly called you into. Let us put on the armor of God every morning before even walking out the door. Having rooted ourselves in the strength of the Lord, we enter our day in a much more Christ-centered way, ready to take on the day’s challenges not by our own strength but by the power of the Spirit who is within. This is how we fight our battles: standing in the power and the presence of the One who saved our soul.