PREPARATION

So Jotham became mighty, because he PREPARED his ways before the LORD his God – 2 Chronicles 27:6

Preparation is the platform for Manifestation: “Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God” (2Chr.27:6). There is nothing like being fully prepared for your Day of Display. Joseph patiently endured his phases of preparation; hence his Season of Shining was unparalleled.  First, he was prepared on the long-term basis through diverse trials and temptations. Sometimes, God uses humiliation and perspiration as preparation for exaltation! Ultimately, when Joseph was invited and “they brought him hastily out of the dungeon,” he ensured that he “shaved himself, and changed his raiment” before approaching Pharaoh (Gen.41:14). He stripped himself of prison rags and dressed to fit the palace; a man who knew the Power of Preparation for the Hour of Manifestation! How prepared are you for the Invitation to the Palace?

Preparation is not gender biased! Esther – whose name means ‘Star’ – prepared to shine in Shushan, the palace of Ahasuerus, king of Persia, and shine she did (Est.2:7-9; 15-17). She also prepared through prayer, with fasting, to rescue her people from Haman’s diabolical machination, and God backed her up before the king (Est.4:15-16). The Hebrew youths prepared to blossom in Babylon, and they did, despite the deep corruption and pollution (Dan.1:5-15). Moses was prepared 80 years for a ministry of 40 years; Jesus 30 years for a ministry of 3 plus years; and John the Baptist, 30 years for a 6 months ministry! Athletes prepare diligently to obtain trophies (1Cor.9:24-25); soldiers, to win battles (2Tim.2:3-4). God wants you to be prepared for His plans, programmes, promotions, and placements. Follow the Boys’ Scouts’ motto: “Be Prepared” to do the right thing at the right moment! Be always alert in spirit, mind and body to accomplish life’s assignments.

In particular, effectiveness in Life and Ministry demands preparation. Paul and Barnabas, with the Ministers in the Church at Antioch, prepared themselves spiritually for their divine assignments, as they “ministered to the Lord and fasted” (Acts 13:2). The moment the Holy Spirit commanded, “Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work” (v.2), they were prepared, ready and set to move. God demands that you keep your heart, mind, body and resources ready for the assignments He has purposed for you. He wants your feet fitted “with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph.10:15). When you are fully and thoroughly prepared, you’ll be “on the Scene in your Season”! You’ll be in tune with God’s Timing! You’ll enjoy good Success when you travel in advance of the crowd. You’ll gain the advantage by ‘doing things’ before they need to be done.

For most people, the trouble with the future is that it arrives before they are ready for it. Learn to rehearse the future; to position yourself ahead of your time; and to respond in advance to life’s challenges and opportunities. Dig a well before you are thirsty, and plant a seed before you are hungry. In this New Year, how prepared are you for all that God has prepared for you? Are you ready to obey all of His promptings? Are you ready to “Arise and Shine” (Isa.60:1)? Are you ready to “Awake” from spiritual slumber (Eph.5:14)? Are you prepared, at His Word to “launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Lk.5:4)? Will you obey without hesitation?  Time is the preparation for Eternity. How prepared are you? The Lord says: “…I go to prepare a place for you” (Jh.14:2b). How prepared are you for your prepared place in eternity?