Third Thing: PREPARE!
“Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tents pegs deep.” — Isaiah 54:2 (MSG)
As a young child in nursery school, I never understood why I had to be awake by 5 am to prepare for school. I considered it sheer wickedness to rise at the same time as my mom. To me, I had barely closed my eyes for an hour of sleep, only to be tapped the next minute to meet an already bustling environment. My annoyance stemmed from the fact that the sky was still dark, and the cocks were yet to crow, yet a 5-year-old me was expected to be up.
The Monday to Friday-routine for school was worth crying for. After waking up, we’d have our morning devotion, followed by individual house chores. To whatever we engaged in, everything had to be completed before 7 am because my mom, a staunch believer in the quote, 'Punctuality is the soul of business,' instilled the value of punctuality in our daily activities.
Being on time was achievable because we prepared for school the previous day. Our uniforms were ironed, shoes polished, homework completed, water bottles filled, and snacks packed in the lunch bag. The only remaining task was to add the food my mom would prepare in the morning.
Then, everything about me screamed stressed and sleep-deprived. However, progressing through the educational stages, from nursery to finally entering the university, the routine corrected my myopic mindset and saved me from a lot.
When I became an accounting undergraduate, being seated before 7 am for lectures was a tradition in the department that persisted from my freshman year until graduation. I can’t count the number of times I dragged myself out of bed only to show up in class to write impromptu tests, earn marks through the attendance sheet for early birds, and watch the door being shut on latecomers just 5 minutes past the scheduled time.
As I reflect on my life and my significant accomplishments, I can attribute them to adequate preparation, as I am someone who dedicates hours to personal hygiene.
I doubt I would have made it to classes or hit any milestones if the habit of preparing ahead hadn’t been instilled in me.
It is safe to say that though I once counted it as sheer wickedness during my childhood, I now understand it as the discipline that not only ensured I showed up early to places but also the needed key to unlock opportunities and avert any ill outcome waiting to meet the unprepared me.
Preparation, they say, is key to anything and everything. Nevertheless, adequate preparation is the hallmark that gives one a cutting-edge victory among others.
Nothing good or massive waltzes into the hands of an unprepared fellow, and even if it does, because such an individual isn’t equipped enough (mentally, physically, emotionally, or otherwise) it’s bound to be missed.
For our Lord and Savior to be on earth, John the Baptist played a crucial role in preparing the hearts of many.
For the Israelites to leave Egypt, they were instructed by God through Moses to follow some preparatory process. “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD’s Passover.” — Exodus 12:11 (NLT)
This is obvious that the place of preparation cannot be downplayed as it is the avenue and entry to whatever change or blessings we desire.
For you who is expecting a shift and God’s tremendous blessings in all areas of your life this season, how prepared are you?
I’ve always been told that opportunity comes to those who are rightly positioned for it. This means we can only be trusted with the big things if we are capable of handling them.
What do you desire? Have you prayed for it and gained conviction? Then, prepare for it! Being positioned rightly wouldn’t be plausible if there isn’t any well-thought-out preparation.
Do you want that job role? Tidy up your resumé/CV to fit it.
Desire to leave singlehood? Read books, listen to teachings on marriage, and surf the net for wedding essentials.
Want to be wealthy or financially free? Learn from those who have made it to living above average.
Have the inherent understanding that whatever you give your time and self to prepare for will eventually get tested. Ensure that whatever it is, is in line with the things you desired and prayed for this season.
2 Chronicles 27:6 says, “So Jotham became mighty because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.”
While we trust God for so much, it is pertinent that we are well-prepared for the much He will release to avoid waste and regrets.
Spread Out! Think big! For it is the one who prepares that gets the large tent.
My salutation to you remains the same.
Happy Aligned New Year,
Your Friend, Goodie.
