What's in Your Suitcase?

"From Denver to Washington D.C., we're seeing countless flight delays due to bad weather." The blond news anchor smiles for the camera. "Snow fall has hit record highs in the DC area. Numerous homes are left without power and motorists are left stranded unable to navigate through the drifting snow and increasing ice. If your travel plans include flying into or out of the DC area, we suggest you check ahead for any flight delays." Again, she smiles for the camera, pauses and then ... "As always with any trip, be sure to pack your patience."



For the first time in several years, my husband and I spent a weekend away. Just the two of us. I sat on the hotel bed propped against pillows and watched the local news. Everything was centered around the recent snow storms. I listened to the weather and then the news anchor as she advised everyone traveling to include patience in their suitcase.

She encouraged travelers to take something with them that would not only make the lives of their fellow travelers easier but their own lives as well. Patience would be important while they dealt with delays and possibly grumpy airport staff and patrons. Having patience would get them through the day and on to their destination in a much better spirit.

No matter the destination, we spend days going over what to pack in our suitcase. We make sure we'll have exactly what we need for any degree of weather, any event we might attend while away and maybe even a few extra things in case of emergency.

Planning for each day of our lives should be a lot like planning for a vacation. No matter where you live, what you do for a living or what point you're at in your life ... this world is only your temporary home. Your final destination is to be with Christ in a New World. While you're traveling through this temporary world, it's important to be sure you have everything needed for each day.

When you're facing a tough day ... pack strength. When the day ahead is a little scary ... pack peace. If your week is filled with difficult people ... pack patience. Robe yourself in the armor of God. He would not have included the scriptures based on armor if we didn't need them.

Think about that for a few minutes ... each scripture of God's word was planned by Him. He knew the encouragement and knowledge we would need to face each day. And ... He included Ephesians 6. So, while you're preparing for today ... take time out to be with Him. Ask Him for the strength, peace and patience you need for your travels. Ask Him to go with you on this long stretch of road.

Most of all, be sure to take the traveler partner who knows all the directions. The One partner who can help you when you get lost or turned around. The One who is the very best company while your on the long stretches of road that are so tiresome.

Now it's time for me to go check my suitcase and be sure I've got what I need for today ... what's your suitcase filled with?

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."