FEBRUARY 18th….BEFORE!! NOT AFTER!! Most of us live our lives being reactive to whatever is happening with us. We are reactive in many cases instead of being proactive. To be proactive means “acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.” We are in the middle of a pandemic and the doctors are telling us how to be proactive to help avoid contacting the germs. I listen and try to live by their warnings. We need to live our Christian lives proactive instead of reactive. Jesus knows life is not going to be easy for us in this world, so He encourages us to be proactive in facing our foes. (Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.) Jesus knew his disciples would not have an easy time carrying out the Great Commission. He warned them what they would go through and how they would be tempted to quit. One of the early lessons on being proactive that Jesus taught was through the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught us to pray daily asking for God’s help in avoiding temptation. (Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.) Too many people wait until they are in trouble to call on God. We could avoid so many embarrassing moments by being proactive in our prayer life instead of reactive. If we put God first in our lives, pray daily, read His Word, and ask for instruction for our lives, we will enjoy more fruitful and joyful lives. Don’t wait until after something happens, start before. Pastor Don