Be Prepared

“There’s hope in your future,” says the LORD. “Your children will come again to their own land.”

- Jeremiah 31:7, NLT

How can you say one day I will do this or that but fail to place yourself in a position to receive it?

This is the reason why some people find success and other don’t. Everyone is expecting success, but only a few are prepared for it. We all have the ability to graduate high school - whether we do it the traditional way or not - we all have it in us to go on the journey for success because each one of us has hopes, aspirations and dreams.

However, 5-10 years down the line, we find ourselves in differing spots from our classmates. From the people that started right where we did too and at the same time as us, and we can argue that they probably had better opportunities than us [and that can be true], but the difference between them and us is not our upbringing, but simply the fact that they were prepared to receive their reward.

This goes beyond simply going off to college. This is about putting in all the effort. You want a raise at your job? You know you’re not going to get it if you don’t put 110% in. It is not just believing in yourself, everyone can do that, but not everyone can take the necessary steps to move forward. Just a heads up: God isn’t going to place success at your feet if you’re not going to chase after it.

Ask yourself this question: What are 5 things you are expecting and praying for from God? Now, write down how you are or can prepare for them as you wait for Him to answer you.

Here’s a Bible story to help you reflect:

'“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids#25:1 Or virgins; also in 25:7, 11. who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.'

Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

The story of the bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom reflects the importance of being prepared and the consequences of when you’re not. All 10 bridesmaids were awaiting the bridegroom, but when the time comes only 5 of them - that is half - were prepared and had everything ready to go with him. The other 5 were too busy rushing to get the oil they failed to bring and were locked out.

Don’t get locked out.

Be prepared.

Be ready at all times so that when God tells you to move, you are ready to go.