The Ultimate Preparedness Plan; How Jesus Wins Your Battles Before They Start

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Joshua Farrell 
Doomsday Prepper who helped a 2017 wildfire.


    Joshua Farrell, a resident of Arizona, was a bit of a "prepper." For those who may not know what that is; he was a guy trying to prepare for the worst possible events. Someone who wanted to be ready if he ever found himself in a situation where the government shut down, or we had massive terrorist attack. Joshua wanted to be ready if he found himself where there was no water, or no food, or he had to defend himself and his home. This meant he was always keeping emergency supplies on hand wherever he went. 

    One day, while he was on a hike, he noticed a small fire starting to spread in the desert. No one was nearby, but thankfully, Joshua was prepared. He had a fire extinguisher and some other equipment with him, and he was able to quickly contain the fire and prevent it from causing more damage.  Joshua's preparation meant he was ready to fight the fire before the fire even started. 

    In the same way, we see that Jesus was preparing for a spiritual "fire fight" that Peter was about to go through. Here is the thing though, Peter was unaware of the battle that he would soon be facing. Peter had been with Jesus for three years, but he was completely unprepared for what was about to take place. Peter did not realize that in a few short days Jesus would be held captive, falsely accused, beaten, and crucified. Peter was unprepared, but Jesus wasn't

    Jesus took the time to prepare him for what was about to take place. Jesus pulled Peter aside and said:

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)

    In this very short conversation we see that Jesus was telling Peter three profound things:

    1. "You are under attack." Jesus reveals that Peter is in the devil's crosshairs. Peter did not realize at the time but the Devil already planning his attack on Peter. This was Jesus's way of trying to wake Peter up and help him understand, 'Peter your in trouble!'

    2. "I am praying for you." Jesus makes it clear that He is not leaving Peter to fight this battle alone.  He is not just going to tell Peter he is in trouble but he actively working to come to Peter's defense in prayer! Jesus is praying for Peter! 

    3. "You will be restored." Jesus assures Peter that even though he will fail, he will fall, it won't be the end of his story. I like this! Jesus tells him that despite all the Devils devices, and all of the plans he has devised for Peter. Jesus is telling Peter, the Devil won't win!  

    I think this highlights a powerful truth that is just as real for you and me today as it was for Peter: Jesus fights for you before you ever flounder. Before Peter was found sleeping when he should have been praying...Before Peter took out his sword to cut off a Roman official's ear...Before Peter denied knowing Jesus...Jesus had already been preparing for the trial Peter was about to face.

    Before you even know you are in the Devils cross hairs, Jesus is already at work on your behalf. Think about that for a minute! As you are reading this you maybe going through it. You may be feeling attacked and overwhelmed and it seems as if the Devil having free reign on your life. I want you to know that before the Devil fired the first shot before he started to scheme and plot for your down fall. Jesus has been on the offensive. 

    Before you ever tiptoed around temptation, before you surrendered to sin, before you even considered rebellion—Jesus went on the offensive for your soul. He was fighting for you when you were fighting against Him. This is the heart of the Gospel, the love of the Father, and the grace and mercy of God.

    Jesus fights for you in two main ways. The first is through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid the ultimate price to defeat the enemy's power over you. The second is what He did for Peter and what He continues to do for all who are saved: He prays for us.

    Before you backslide, before you rebelled against your Redeemer, before you inched toward iniquity, mark it down: Jesus had already prayed on your behalf. He had already prayed for your restoration. This is not just one story, this truth is something we find throughout the scriptures. 

"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:34)

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1)

    You are not alone in your struggles. The fires you are fighting are not yours to face alone. Jesus is fighting for you. He is praying for you.  He is right there with you. You can rest in Him today.

    One final thought, Jesus told Peter that the Devil won't win; that is a truth you can hold on to as well. The Devil has been defeated and he has no power! Things maybe tough right now and you may not be able to make since of all that is going on. However, despite how it might appear you can put your trust in God's word and know that the Devil has no power and he is defeated. 

Practical Applications for Your Life

    Trust in Jesus's Intercession. The next time you feel the weight of temptation or the regret of a past failure, remember that Jesus is praying for you. His prayers are a reality that precedes your actions. Let this truth fill you with hope and give you the strength to stand firm.

Turn to Him in Prayer. Jesus's example with Peter shows us that the most powerful response to impending failure isn't self-effort, but prayer. When you sense temptation or a trial approaching, go to God in prayer. Confess your weaknesses and ask Him to strengthen you, just as He did for Peter.

Find Hope in His Restoration. If you have already floundered, remember that your story doesn't end there. Just as Jesus told Peter, "when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers," your failure is not the end. God’s grace is sufficient to restore you and use you to help others who are struggling. Confess your sin to God, accept His forgiveness, and walk in the new purpose He has for you.

Location: Ashmore, IL 61912, USA

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