Have you ever been at home watching tv and the power goes out? Especially if it’s dark outside, you hear everyone in the house groan. No matter what room they’re in, unless they’re asleep, disgust fills the air in the form of complaints. It just messes up everything! You still walk into a room and try to flip on the light switch because it’s second nature. You open the refrigerator and it’s not lit up to see the choices. You have your phone but it technically needs charging as you are at fifteen percent power. Ugh! It’s just a mess! Everything you’re now doing involves finding a way to do them without power. It’s hard. Our houses aren’t designed to run that way. 

In the same way homes are powerfully wired to function, so are we! Our bodies are designed to need rest, food, exercise and personal hygiene. We need to read, try new things and problem solve to work our brains. But what about our spirits? That’s the real you. Doesn’t that need to be powered up? “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” (‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Obviously the Bible addresses us in three parts. We have a spirit (heart), soul (mind, will and emotions) and body. This scripture also addresses the fact that it is God who makes us holy. The only way for our spirits to be “charged” is to plug into God’s Word. God’s Word is the fuel we need to not find ourselves running on empty in a most demanding world. 

The enemies we fight on earth are not other people (No, it’s not the kid at the drive-through that got your order wrong!). “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Okay. So this is a little deeper. We are fighting the unseen that are trying to mess you and your loved ones up. This is serious! We cannot do this unprepared. We need to meet with our Savior every day and let Him power up our spirits to be able to stand against the attacks of the enemy. “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬) It’s His mighty power. Not your own strength. We have a real enemy out there that wants to wreak havoc in your life. We serve a God who knows the beginning from the end. We have to use everything He has given us to get through circumstances victoriously. You can’t just neglect this all important time of supercharging. 

When the power goes out at home, you’ve usually got flashlights, candles and maybe even a generator if you’re prepared. When you know you’re going to be facing inevitable hardship in the world we live in, be prepared. Have extra in your possession. Get to know God’s Word which is solid rock for us to stand on in times of trouble. It’s The Truth when the devil is whispering lies. You’re only caught off guard if you’re not prepared. “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Basically, don’t be caught unprepared. Times of hardship are going to come. These are bigger than you, but no match for Jesus. Always be ready when life gets dark. You, through Christ, can handle a power outage.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.