Prepared and Ready

“The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard … Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.”—Numbers 1:52–54 ESV

As he studied the campaigns of Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte found a major factor that contributed to his success: how the camps of his army were organized.

Napoleon had followed a tradition established years earlier. The Romans had learned the best way to organize camps, so they were prepared for any circumstance. They could go on the offensive or remain in a defensive posture. For hundreds of years, this preparation consistently led to protection and victory.

In similar ways, God provided the Israelites with specific instructions about how to set up their camps. Each tribe had a specific role, and everyone had an important assignment. When they followed God’s plans, they were successful and safe from attack.

Today is the day each year when we celebrate Flag Day. It is a time to remember how God prepares us for battle and to remember that He has prepared strategies that can give us victory. We can be ready.

You will be assaulted by the enemy. You can be vulnerable if you are not ready! You need the same kind of preparation that characterized those camps of Caesar and ancient Israel: organized, alert, and ready.

If you want to be ready for the battles you will face, surrender your life to Jesus and seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to organize your resources and give you winning strategies.

Reflection Question: How are you preparing for your spiritual battles?