For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
How do we prepare for what is to come (for what might happen today and our final day on earth and all the days in between)?
1. Establish a vital moment by moment intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit where you and Him dialogue throughout the day together.
2. Learn how to navigate stressful situations. Paul basically says this is being ‘content’ in ANY and every situation. (2 Cor. 12:10, Phil. 4:11) This will mean we will have to purposely choose not to complain and moan about how much we don’t like certain situations or conditions we are currently in and experiencing. This will mean being able to increase our threshold and ability to manage our reactions to our emotional and physical discomfort at all times. Being able to endure certain levels of uncomfortableness and pain for longer periods of time. Under high stress situations we will have to train ourselves to remain calm and think clearly so that we can actually hear the direction of the Holy Spirit within us, and follow His instructions to us quickly and obediently. This actually is the definition of the Fruit of Patience of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
3. Understand what has already been prepared for us by Jesus, and KNOW that is really the goal of our earthly lives — as our eternal lives will be much more than our short lives here on earth. Understanding this we don’t value these earthly possessions as much as we currently do — and learn to live with an ‘open hand’ and ‘open arms’ when it comes to the direction by the Spirit of God to give. We sow that we might reap. Who is the Lord of the Harvest? Often He will direct us to give so that He might direct certain ‘harvests’ in our direction BECAUSE of our faithfulness to His (Rhema) Word to us individually. Live joyfully generous to His leading to give.
4. Learn to pray in all and every situation. (Luke 18:1) Praying is actually a conversation that should be two-way. Like with any other friend who you live with — are the conversations ONLY from you to them? Would that ‘friend’ really call you a ‘friend’, if all the communication you had was only from you to them? Being ‘ready’ means maintaining the vital relationship with your most intimate circles around you. What’s more intimate than a Holy Spirit which actually dwells within you? That uses your body as His temple? What about vital conversations with your spouse and children? What are you doing to train for discomfort and readiness? Are you able to listen to what your family has to say.
5. Learn about and increase your situational awareness skills. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. On all levels be present in the moment.
This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12