Be Prepared

Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly.

2 Chronicles 29:36

Golfing coach Bill Hartman insists that great golfers are made, not born. “I’ve seen great athletes play at all levels in a number of sports,” he said, “and you know what separates the ‘greats’ from the ‘good’? Their level of physical preparation.”

The Lord is our heavenly Coach, preparing us for all the events of our lives as well as for the work He plans for us to do. He knows the future as well as He knows the past, and He is fully capable of preparing us for all that lies ahead. We mustn’t disdain the preparation time.

Think of the eighty years He prepared Moses before sending him to liberate the children of Israel from Egypt. Think of David’s years in the wilderness, running from King Saul and living as a fugitive. It was God’s way of preparing him for the throne. Think of Jesus’ hidden years in Nazareth and Paul’s silent years in Arabia.

Ephesians 2:10 indicates that God is preparing us for the work that He is planning for us to do. The courage and confidence you’ll have in the future will come from the preparation and practice you’re experiencing right now.