READINESS

Judges 7:5-7—“So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, ‘Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.’ Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. The Lord said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.’”

Readiness means much more than having our bags packed. Quite frankly, there are many Christians who seem to have made the necessary requirements to obey God’s call. They have the knowledge, the equipment, and the backing of others. Yet God will not bring into service those He sees as unready. They will never sit foot outside their own encampment. He will leave them not because they didn’t prepare but because of the attitude they project.

God hand-picked 300 men to fight for Gideon against an army that numbered over 135,000! He sent the rest of the Israelites home. The test of readiness God established was simple. Most of the would-be soldiers got down on their knees and put their face in the water to drink. By drinking in this manner they could not have observed enemy approaching. If God had fought for these self-centered soldiers they would have claimed their prowess won the battle. The 300 who cupped the water in their hands were alert to their surroundings. They were the men God selected as fit for His fight. (Judges 7:4-7)

To be spiritually ready means:
Ø We are physically prepared! Our bags are packed. We are ready and available to go.
Ø We are mentally alert! We are aware that we have a spiritual enemy who would destroy us in an instant if he could. We remain watchful so as not to be surprised.
Ø We have a godly attitude! Our desire is to hear and obey God’s call. We are not enslaved to pleasing our own flesh.
Ø We go! When the drum of God’s will beats, we are marching in step with His rhythm.

Are you ready? “Good to go” for the believer means go to good! Our Heavenly Jumpmaster says the light is green, the door is open, your chute is packed, and you’re standing in the door. Now go! God will decide where you land; your responsibility is to jump!

Inspiration
Readiness implies a right relationship to God and a knowledge of where we are at present . . . Think of the time we waste trying to get ready when God gives the call! A ready person never needs to get ready.—Oswald Chambers in So Send I You.