Are you ready?

Many of us get so used to being in “want” that we don’t have a clue what to do when we finally get those things we asked for.

Have you prepared for what you’re asking the Lord to do in your life? God has told me that there are a lot of things He’s unable to release to us because we’d squander it. If there is something in your heart that you’ve been petitioning God for and have yet to receive, I want to challenge you to really look at your life to see if you’ve prepared for it.

Lord, Please Give Me…

Before I had my daughter, I was begging God for her. I was married, we both had good jobs and I couldn’t understand what the hold up was. I was upset with God. I reasoned that there were so many in the world who weren’t married and didn’t even serve Him, but they were blessed with children. Wow, I was so misguided. At 23, I became pregnant and my life turned upside down. Suddenly I needed to find a pediatrician, a daycare that I could trust, a better car and the list goes on. I didn’t even consider how my life would change.

We all blindly ask for things without thinking about what it will cost us to maintain. Have you ever wondered why the prodigal son ended up in the pig pen (Luke 15:11-32)? It’s interesting that he was so anxious to get his inheritance and he didn’t even have a plan! He didn’t start a business, invest it, or anything.  He just went and spent the money on pleasure until it was gone.

This tells us that there’s a danger in receiving a blessing before your ready. I would not change the fact that I had my daughter, but my life could have been a lot easier had I taken the time to plan and prepare for her arrival. This goes for everything. If you want to get married, if you want to buy a house, if you want to go back to school – make sure you PREPARE.

When we receive what we fail to make room for we can end up feeling overwhelmed and that can lead to self-sabotage. You’ll begin to subconsciously work against yourself, for example:

1. Beware of willful negligence. We often worry ourselves so much about things ahead that we never get started doing what we need to do in the present.
2. Double-mindedness sets in. James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea tossed by the wind”. Some days you’re motivated and sometimes you’re not. Somedays you’re confident, others – not so much. This is doubt and it’s a faith killer!
3. Negative internal dialogue and low self-esteem creep up. When your life is led by God you will frequently be challenged on your identity. Before we go after the things we want we should be secure in who God created us to be. Good mental health requires knowing who we are and loving who we are.
4. Resistance to address things that stunt our growth. We need spiritual strength and maturity to take these things on. Refusing to confront our issues will disqualify us from many of our heart’s desires. How can we hold on to the Lord’s blessings when we’re broken?
5. Isolation is a trick. A good mentor goes a long way. Do you have big dreams? Then, you need to surround yourself with people who have “been there, done that” and can give you the guidance you need.

Redeem Your Time

The story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 is a good example of preparing for answered prayer. They were all in the right place at the right time, they went out together to meet the bridegroom, but only half of them were wise enough to carry extra oil. The foolish virgins knew he was coming, went out to meet him, and when he got there they missed it! They wasted so much time! The bridegroom was delayed, and they still allowed themselves to fall asleep without doing what they needed to do to stay ready.

How many of us are blowing opportunities due to lack of preparation? This is at the heart of self-sabotage. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14).

I believe we are in a time where God wants us all to prepare to receive. If you want to purchase a home – do your research. What is your debt-to-income ratio? How much money do you have saved? What types of loans are available? Does your credit qualify? Whatever it is, God is asking us to stop asking and start preparing.

Move into expectation because expectation changes how you do things. It’s no longer a question in your mind, but it’s now a matter of time. Are you ready?

So, What’s the Play Call?

We all have our “days”, but when lack of preparation becomes a trend, it could be fear and self-sabotage – so pay attention and work diligently in your assignments.

Don’t just write down your goals – break them down into practical steps that you can manage, check off, and see real progress.

Read your Word daily and pray so that you will stand firm in your God-given identity. This will help you to fight and stay committed to your purpose and goals.

God bless!