Preparation

December 6, 2025

This week was cold. It’s that kind of weather where you want to stay home and be cozy in a blanket, and you don’t want to be outside. That did not stop me from going out to run. I have run in this type of weather and I know how to prepare myself for it. The key is in layering up properly. I also know that my body tends to exert heat when my heart rate goes up during the run. I don’t want to layer up too much, otherwise I will overheat myself.

After the prep, I set out for my run. With the wind, it was colder and I had to cover my face. I questioned myself for even being out on a day like this. But slowly, I felt my body heat rising, and I started to get in a rhythm and I felt comfortable. Soon, the cold air didn’t feel cold anymore, and everything just felt right. Halfway into the run, I found myself unzipping the top of my jacket to let some cool air regulate my temperature. By the end of the run, I was running hot. I know that it was a good run and I am glad I chose to leave the house for this beautiful run. Preparation was key.

I was reading 2 Timothy 3 the other evening, and Paul talks about the persecutions he had endured in verse 11. Then in verse 12, he says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Just like I can’t always run in ideal weather all the time as there are times of adverse circumstances, I know I need to be out there to fulfill my daily goal. In the same way, living for Christ is never easy. There is great joy in walking with Him, but in this world, it comes with a price: suffering. The Devil does not make it easy. But preparation is key. And Paul tells us about it: “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” verses 14 and 15. The Word of God preps us in this world full of sin, and leads us to salvation in Jesus. May we be prepared as we await the second coming of Jesus and welcome the new year.