What would you do if your cell phone stopped recieving signal? What if all the cell towers stopped working? For the few with landlines, what would you do to communicate with others if the telephone lines were down? What if the internet stopped and you could not email, text, or connect with anyone?! Pretty drastic to think about?
Survivalists suggest having satellite phones as a backup for emergencies. Some have 20-mile “Walkie Talkies” to use in the event of a communication blackout. Still, others have designated meeting places should the world get turned upside down to meet up with family and friends. It’s good to have a communication plan, just in case you need it.
What about communication with God? For some people, there is already a “blackout.” Their world is already upside-down, and they have no communication with the One Who can really help. They have not prayed to God ever, or not for a long, long time. Several Christians may only pray occasionally to the Lord.
Keeping the prayer lines open with God is a Thriving Skill the Christian Needs to practice, daily. Gospel preacher and adventure traveler Paul, said in Ephesians 6:18, after describing the “Armor of God, that the prepared Christian is to be: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
This has been aptly summarized as “watch and pray.”
“Watch” what is happening around you. Have situational awareness. Safety teams, civil peace-keepers, and EDC people have a practice called “Situational Awareness.” They note in their mind every person in the room. When seated, they choose a seat where they can observe the comings and goings to ensure they see any suspicious activity.
In the same way, the Christian is to observe. The Christian life is a battlefield for the the survival of your soul. The Christian must be spiritually aware and have Bible discernment.
The next Thriving Skill Paul lists is prayer. “Praying Always.” This is not impossible! Having a frame of mind that is consistently and constantly talking with God is possible.
There is much to pray about. The “big” and “small” things in life are the very things we can pray about.
God Wants To Hear Your Prayers. Praying demonstrates reliance on God. Prayer is evidence of a Christian not trying to solve life by his/her self, but relying on the power and presence of the Lord. Ask Him. Give thanks to Him. Talk with Him. God wants to hear from you.
God Can Answer Your Prayers. “Yes, no, not now, and something better,” are the four possible responses God may give. No matter the answer to your prayer, the fact that you are praying can change you in the process of whatever situation you are praying about.
The EDC Thriving Skill of prayer is something that you and I need to practice each day. Perhaps start the day by setting aside a few moments to ask God for guidance and provision, thanking Him for His love and grace. And then keep that spirit of prayer with you as you go through the day. Practicing this skill will help you be prepared for whatever challenges you may face.
Do you have a good story about answered prayer? Please share it below in the comments:
EDC Christian 