In Training Now for the Times of Need

[S] Genesis 14:14 --
 ¹⁴When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

[O] Abram did not start Googling for hired guns when he heard the news.  He had in-house trained men for times like these and they must've been like the Navy SEALs because with only 318 men he was able to defeat the army that captured Sodom and Gomorrah.  I'm so impressed with Abram's preparedness by training men born in his house (in other translations it says household most likely meaning his own descendants) who are ready to go at moments notice.  I'm also trying to train my own children but that's not easy to carry out but this passage encourages me to carry on.  I'm also encouraged to carry on training leaders for the small group ministry consistently because there will come a time when in-house trained men/women are needed to run a Godly task.

[A] Preparation for crisis is not going to happen accidentally because it requires faithful training of disciples now and every day.  Continue on with training up leaders for small group ministry without discouragements.

[P] Dear Jesus, as You have called Your disciples at the shores of Sea of Galilee please call the small group leaders to step up into the very much needed roles at our church.  Please send more of them in order for us to unite our hearts to be trained men like the 318 ment Abram took to rescue Lot and family.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.