Some of the jeopardy we experience in life happens because we did not take the time to prepare. I do a few things to reduce risk that might seem over the top to an unprepared person until a situation appears and they are left without viable options. This is not just a practical issue. There is a spiritual component.

When I drive to a distant city, before checking into my hotel, I fill my car with gas. An emergency call in the middle of the night might require me to leave unexpectedly. Having an empty tank when the gas stations are closed and you need to get home is not a good thing. Each night, before I go to bed, I make sure my cell phone is fully charged. We never know what will happen in the middle of the night that would require the ability to communicate. I tie my shoes with a mountaineer’s knot so they will not come undone. A loose shoe knot is not what you want when you are trying to run away from danger on a city street. We have go-bags in both our vehicles. They are small backpacks containing enough food, water, and survival gear to enable Jan and me to survive long enough to either get home or move to a place of safety should a natural disaster take place and we had to walk. 

So, what does this mean? Is Garris not trusting God? Is he worrying about things that will probably never happen? I would suggest the answer is “no” because I have lived long enough to know that unusual and unpredictable scenarios can happen. Preparation provides us with options when life takes an unexpected turn. 

The spiritual component I mentioned is even more important. When personal crisis visits our lives, those who are spiritually prepared are best equipped to have their faith survive the ordeal. To be prepared spiritually requires that we remain in daily communion with God – a communion not fueled by religious events but by maintaining a personal, moment-by-moment connection with the Lord. We also prepare ourselves by absorbing God’s word each day receiving instructions on what to do when a personal crisis pays a visit. And finally, being prepared means having a small group of friends we can go to when our world crumbles and we feel alone and vulnerable. These are the ongoing spiritual preparations of someone who knows the jeopardy and risk that occurs when those three elements are not present. Being prepared is the evidence of a healthy faith.

Wisdom is what motivates us to live our lives prepared, no matter what the season. Wisdom transcends seasons. Paul instructed Timothy about his life and ministry. His words ring true for all aspects of life, “Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not” (II Timothy 4:2).