Prepared and Steadfast
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Any time we eat in a restaurant, I prefer to have the seat facing the door. Same goes for standing in line at the gas station. I like to be able to see who’s coming in and who is in my immediate vicinity. I do this because I know we do not live in a perfect world. Evil exists. Danger exists. Uncertainty exists. Yet God calls men to live neither in fear nor in denial, but in sober readiness.
In Luke 22:36, Jesus told His disciples, “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” He was preparing them for a hostile world. He was not calling them to violence — in fact, He rebuked the misuse of the sword only moments later. But He was teaching them awareness. The days ahead would require courage, steadiness, and preparation.
Nehemiah told the people, “Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (Nehemiah 4:14). As they rebuilt the wall, they worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. They prayed — and they prepared.
A godly man does the same. He prays fervently, leads spiritually, and remains watchful. He understands that protecting his family and community begins long before a crisis. It begins with character, discipline, and attentiveness.
We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but peacemaking is not passivity. It is strength under control. It is readiness without recklessness. It is courage governed by love.
May we be men our families feel safe around — not because we are aggressive, but because we are steady. May our homes, our church family, and our community know that we are alert, grounded in faith, and if ever required, ready to protect the innocent.
- Ben Vansandt
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