This article appears in the Fall 2024 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
As competitors, being Ready 24/7 requires determination, hard work and perseverance. We proactively prepare our bodies and minds for our next opponent. We endure grueling hours of conditioning and weightlifting. We review hours of film to study our opponents and see how we can improve. We face pressure from others and ourselves to win. To be elite competitors, we literally and figuratively suffer so we can be the best.
But as followers of Christ, do we give the same amount of effort and grit in our relationship with God? In Matthew 24:42, it says, “Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” Jesus gives His disciples a heads-up that he will one day return. This still rings true for us today. His return is imminent, but are we doing all we can to prepare for that day? Until then, will we be ready when opportunities or challenges arise?
PROACTIVELY PREPARING
In athletics, we can tangibly see how our preparation directly affects our performance and the outcome of a contest. But when it comes to training our hearts and minds spiritually, it’s harder to see the return on investment. We often don’t see immediate results, nor do we have metrics to track milestones. Because of this, how do we proactively prepare spiritually?
Think of it this way: Are we spending as much time memorizing Scripture as we are memorizing plays? Do we put in the same amount of effort communicating with God as we do with our coaches and teammates? Do we have a team that holds us spiritually accountable and challenges us when we aren’t giving full effort? These are just a few ways to spiritually train our hearts and minds to be ready for what’s ahead.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES"Being Ready 24/7 means we must be prepared and equipped for any moment. As believers, we will face opportunities and obstacles, especially in the unpredictability of our 24/7 lives." - Hannah Kao, FCA Executive VP of International Advancement
Being Ready 24/7 means we must be prepared and equipped for any moment. As believers, we will face opportunities and obstacles, especially in the unpredictability of our 24/7 lives.
For example, opportunities to share the gospel will arise at various points in our lives. If we only have a few minutes with someone, will we be ready to communicate the gospel clearly? We’re called to take advantage of these moments. We need to train and equip ourselves to be ready when these opportunities are put before us.
Similarly, we as Christians must be ready to face obstacles that will inevitably come our way in life. Each obstacle will be different, but the ultimate purpose remains the same: Will we be prepared to draw closer to God, or will we pull away from Him? The time and effort we spend strengthening our relationship with Him will directly affect how we react to our trials.
ARE YOU READY 24/7?
Being Ready 24/7 in these moments of opportunities and obstacles is essential. As you reflect on these things, I challenge you to consider these questions:
-Are you truly Ready 24/7?
-If observed for 24 hours straight, would your daily decisions reflect a healthy relationship with Christ and a readiness for His return?
-Are you willing to sacrifice time spent doing other things to make God a priority?
-Do you meditate on Scripture so His words seep into our hearts as we defend against temptation and negative thoughts?
-Are you taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you, or are you letting them slide by?
-When faced with difficult obstacles in life, what does your relationship with the Lord reflect?
In all of this, you are not alone! God has given you His Spirit to help you along the way—this beautiful journey to be Ready 24/7 in Christ.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for salvation and hope through your willing sacrifice. I want to be Ready 24/7. Help me prepare my heart and mind, especially as opportunities and obstacles arise. I want my life to reflect You so others may seek You in return. In Jesus’ name, amen.
BIO: Hannah Kao has been on staff with FCA since 2011 but had her first FCA encounter in the summer of 2000 as a middle school camper. The impact and presence FCA had on her life continued through college. She interned with FCA for three summers before joining full-time staff after graduating from the University of Maryland. She served as an Area Representative in Montgomery County, Maryland, for several years before transitioning to the role of Assistant Regional Director of International Advancement for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Through her field experience in both local and international ministry, she now serves as the Executive Vice President of International Advancement for FCA. Hannah resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with her husband, Ed, and Frenchie pup, Boba.
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