Be Prepared

In 1995 Scott O’Grady’s F-16 fighter jet was shot down over Bosnia. It would be six days before American forces were able to rescue him, so O’Grady had to survive in enemy territory for almost a week. He had no rations or supplies, yet he was able to get through until his allies came to his rescue. The reason O’Grady was able to survive this trial in his life is simply that he was prepared. 

Anyone who has worn the uniform knows Uncle Sam trains people for every situation, including the art of survival. The military doesn’t just hope for the best, they train for the worst. They realize that danger is a very real possibility, and they do not want a single soldier caught off guard. Everyone who serves understands that trials and hardships come with the territory. 

Why do we think the Christian life should be any different? Trials will surely come. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” We love the promise that Jesus has overcome the world, but we often ignore the part where we will have tribulation in life. Peter found it odd that some Christians were ill prepared for these trials. He wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (I Peter 4:12).”

Unfortunately it seems that Christians still think trials are “some strange thing” that isn’t supposed to happen. Many have been deceived by ear-pleasing preachers who tell them to simply live for God and have faith, and God will make sure everything goes their way. Some have subconsciously developed a theology that tells them as long as they live right, say their prayers, go to church, and tithe, then they should expect nothing but good things from God; only sinners go through trials.

This way of thinking causes believers to be blindsided when trials do come. They begin to doubt God, wondering how in the world He could have allowed the hardship. While this column does not seek to explain all the reasons why God allows them, it is a reminder that He does. We need to be prepared for the trials of life because they can come without warning. And yet, we have been warned. In this world we will have tribulation. 

If Scott O’Grady could survive behind enemy lines because of his preparation, then we can survive the trials that life throws at us. Our preparation should include daily time with God through prayer and Bible study, maturing in the faith so that we are not misled, and growing in our relationship with the Father. If we are close to God when the trials come, we will be much better prepared to endure them.