Semper Paratus- a Latin phrase, meaning "Always ready.”
Semper Paratus.
This phrase may be meaningless to many. However, in my home it is a daily phrase. As a Coast Guard family, we quote this say it often. For the Coast Guard, Semper Paratus implies that the members must be ready to be deployed for search and rescue at any given moment. In our home, Semper Paratus is our way of saying be ready and stay ready. Better yet, if you are always ready, you never have to get ready.
Preparation, awareness, and the willingness to execute the mission defines Semper Paratus.
If you have ever prepared for a hurricane, you can assuredly understand this concept of being ready. In fact, you can always tell who is NOT ready. These are the ones who stand in long lines for water, toiletries, and more. They hear about the storm and rush out to “prepare” in a panic. However, had they already been well stocked, there would be no need for the rush. Instead, they would be prepared for whatever storm, wind, or lack of power that may be coming.
The reason we panic when we face the storms in life is because we are simply not prepared.
The truth is every day storms are not as easily predicted. They don’t give you days notice or the option of evacuation. Instead, when the enemy attacks your life it can be sudden and life changing.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
This is why we must maintain a state of preparation spiritually. When we do so, no matter what the enemy throws our way we can stand in confidence knowing that our God is stronger than any storm.
Last year during hurricane season, the Lord gave me this analogy on how we can stay Semper Paratus.
Keep your spiritual pantry stocked with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Never allow yourself to be without the living water (John 4:13-14).
Stay connected to the supplier (John 15:5). We see in a natural hurricane , many rush out to prepare for the storm days before. However, those who are always prepared have no need to panic. When the storm comes, they can know full well in their heart that their "house is in order".
Maintain the attitude of victory (Deuteronomy 20:4). Knowing that if God be for you, who can be against you.
Know where to find a plan of evacuation in the word of God (Proverbs 3:5-6). Recognize in His arms you will always find your refuge (Psalm 91:2).
Pray always! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Isaiah 59:19b- When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
No matter where you are in this time of your life, I pray that God teaches you how to stay ready for anything you may encounter.
If needed, feel free to let “Semper Paratus” be your new phrase that reminds you of keeping your heart, mind, and spirit ready for whatever may be brought your way.
“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 Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:11-18
