Have you ever been unprepared for anything? Even the most straightforward task can become a big deal if we are not prepared for them. Think about the last time you had a project, a speaking engagement, or a meeting that you were not prepared for. What did you feel? What were your thoughts? Were you anxious? Let me stop and say I am not saying that we can be prepared for everything that life throws at us, but the moments that we can be prepared and choose not to use that time wisely can lead to feelings of inadequacy and ineffectiveness that stems from fear. 

After the exodus, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, teaching them to love and obey God. Moses and the older generation were not allowed to enter the promised land because of their disobedience; however, they were to prepare the next generation to do so. Moses had an aide named Joshua who served him during this time. God appointed Joshua to lead the new generation across the Jordan to conquer the land of Canaan. God used Joshua because he was well prepared to take over the leadership position; he was trained. Joshua spent nearly forty years of his life preparing for the moment God would use him, but Joshua’s abilities did not lead to their success. It was his willingness to obey God’s instructions and follow God closely.

Being prepared does not mean that you have to know every step or how to execute all of the steps in a plan. Being ready means that we are willing to learn from others to be prepared when our opportunity comes—being prepared means listening to God’s instructions and moving when God tells us to move. God prepares us for his purpose. He directs us even in what may seem like insignificant steps in our mission, but God does not want his people to plunge into our task unprepared. We are to focus on him and remember who is guiding us. Not doing so can cause us to rely on ourselves, which is incapable of fulfilling the will of God alone. 

Are you prepared for your God-given task? 

Read Joshua 4