Besieged for months by illness and the resulting financial difficulties, Angela felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. She had been totally unprepared for the spiritual toll the illness took on her. But Angela decided not to allow the illness to conquer her. Though tempted to sit back and do nothing, Angela chose to devote herself to Bible study, and prayer and intercession. She decided to use that time to build herself up spiritually.

But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God (1 Kings 5:4,5).

Solomon took advantage of a time of freedom from conflict to begin building the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. As Christians we are spiritual temples. Times of tranquility are excellent opportunities for us to grow strong in the Word of God and to build our temples into ones that will honor and glorify Him.

Challenge for Today: Purposefully prepare for spiritual warfare by studying God’s Word and praying daily.

Read 1 Kings 4:1 through 6:38; Luke 17:11–37

Quicklook: 1 Kings 5:3–5