Preparation

Preparation...we all know we should do it, but sticking with it is tough. I tend to prepare to a point. Like preparing has an expiration date. I invest in it for a time, but if I don’t start to see what I’m preparing for coming into focus I get impatient or bored and walk away.

The problem there is that I’m basing things off my timing. And my timing is rarely aligned with God’s. When I take this approach I’m usually missing the lesson God is trying to teach me and I’m not trusting the promises He has given me.

When the Israelites were in Egypt, God gave them some very specific instructions. “Now you shall eat it in this manner: with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste-it is the LORD'S Passover.” Exodus‬ ‭12:11‬

God was telling them to get really ready. And since they had been stuck in Israel for over 400 years this probably seemed a little silly. I can just imagine; “Ok, Moses. Whatever you say. 🙄 We’ll eat like we’re about to go on the run, and then tomorrow will be exactly the same as it was today. Maybe even worse.”

God had a plan. The second that plan was put into action, He needed the Israelites completely ready to move. He’s looking for the same from us today.

Am I ready to move? Am I prepared to share the Gospel at a moments notice? To preach from what God is revealing to me at the drop of a hat? To give as soon as I see a need? These are things we are all called to do, and they are all things that we need to be ready for.

What if I miss the window of opportunity because I couldn’t bother to put in the work before it opened? Preparation takes...well, preparation. It requires work, consistency, and dedication. These are all things God needs to see in us so He knows He can trust us with our opportunities.

Sometimes the process of preparing actually is then point, because it builds the character we need. That character isn’t something that will magically show up once He’s created the way for us, it’s something that has to be built into our lives. If we don’t build those muscles, our talent will take us to places our character can’t sustain us.

It isn’t easy, but it is necessary. So today, I prepare.

#thesassysaint