2Tim 2:1-13, 2 …You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
Jesus warned of difficult days (Mat 24). To our shame, we promise more blessings than preparation for difficult times. The world is not changing for the better, it’s getting darker and scary; and may not spare His children. God requires us to shine brighter in the midst of difficult times. But unless we are prepared and fire proofed, many will crumble.
Think of how people respond to a pending snow storm. Things such as food, blankets, flashlights, firewood, fueled car, charged phones, shovel, sand etc are taken care of. If there is storm a head, you owe it to your good senses to pay attention. To be caught unaware and unprepared is deadly and so is being unprepared in our spiritual walk, we must be ready and endure. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, Paul said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phi 4:13). May the Lord empower us to keep our lamps burning brighter in the midst of the storm, wind etc.