Preparation is the Key

Preparation is the key to any success. I heard a great quote about success. It says, “preparation precedes performance.” This is so true! Before you hit the stage of performance in anything, you have to make sure you have done all the necessary preparation or you’ll fall flat on your face. Whether it is your marriage, family, job, or anything else, we must remember the words of Paul in Galatians 6:7 and 9, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Did you hear that? You will reap a harvest – you will have success if your efforts are in line with God’s scripture and character. It did not say, “don’t become weary in doing evil.” When you do that, you will surely fail – every time! You will reap what you sow - good or bad. If you have sown little - you will reap little. If you have sown greatly, you will reap greatly. Those who prepare and do the good things the Lord’s way will succeed. Don’t give up in your preparation for you will reap a harvest!


How do you prepare for success? It starts behind closed doors. Another one of my favorite sayings is that “champions are made in the off season.” Remember the off season of whatever sport you played? You didn’t just take it easy. Hopefully you paid the price so that when the season came around you were ready for victory. While others took it easy and relaxed, you had “future victory” in mind. Time spent with the Lord is the key to preparing for anything. You can remember your anniversary and romance your mate as much as you want, but if you forget to spend time with the Lord to allow Him to shape you and mold you in the image and character of Christ, you’ll come up short. You can go to all the ballgames and recitals you want but if you stop praying for your kids, you’ll come up short. You can be on time and give 110% for work every day but if you neglect to honor the Lord in your job and use it for Him, you’ll come up short. God always prepares us before He works through us. He prepares us as we spend time with Him - there is no other way.

Remember how David defeated Goliath? What a victory! But behind the victory was David’s experience as he killed the lion and the bear. In fact, 1 Samuel 17:36 says he killed many lions and bears. Lots of practice and preparation. Did he know one day he’d face Goliath? Probably not. Was he glad he prepared? You bet! He faced and killed the giant by preparing before the battle even began. What about you? How are you preparing today for tomorrow’s battles? How is God preparing you for greatness? Remember another great quote - “The sweat of preparation will keep you from the blood of battle.” It worked for David. How about you? Spend time with the Lord and let Him prepare the way He chooses for you.