Preparation: Building a Foundation for Success in Life and Faith

Preparation is the quiet work that happens behind every meaningful achievement. It is the discipline of thinking ahead, gathering resources, and readying ourselves before the moment of action arrives. Whether in daily life or spiritual journey, preparation reflects both wisdom and faith—trusting that today's efforts will shape tomorrow's outcomes.

The Nature and Purpose of Preparation

Preparation is part of the planning process that starts with defining a clear goal, accompanied by anticipation and belief in the outcome. It requires the ability to foresee challenges by thinking through the various issues involved, identifying any training required, and getting things organised in advance so that a project can flow smoothly. Planning and preparation involve faith being outworked in action to establish a solid foundation long before the goal is achieved, diligence rewarded and the realisation of the promised blessing. It is like seed sown before the harvest.

There comes a time when the preparatory phase must yield to the doing reality, when acquired knowledge and resources are used and applied (Mt 7:24-27). The greater the project or ministry, the more intense and demanding the preparation for it to be effectively accomplished. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

The parable of the ten bridesmaids indicates some were not prepared for the unexpected delay, and it was too late then to do what should have been done beforehand (Mt 25:1-13). Preparation involves considering all the different options, scenarios, possible difficulties, time frames and making provision or resourcing the project. It requires both foresight and flexibility, knowing when to continue preparing and when to step forward in action.

It's too late to prepare when the opportunity comes

Effective preparation creates capacity for intentional action when opportunity arrives. The moment of decision is not the time to begin getting ready—it is the time to step forward with confidence, equipped by what has already been invested.

Spiritual Preparation for Eternity

There is life after death, and preparation for heaven mde in this life by accepting Christ as Saviour, because the message has been given—"Prepare to meet your God!" No one knows when their hour will come to depart this life, and once this life is over no more opportunities are given to accept Christ (Eccl 9:12; Amos 4:12; Mt 24:36,42,44; Heb 9:27).

As Christians, we also prepare for Christ's return by living uprightly and walking in obedience. Each person is responsible for his or her own spiritual destiny. God is preparing an inheritance for us, but we can enhance it by wisely investing in His Kingdom now and doing the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do (Mt 6:20, 25:34; Jn 14:2; 1 Cor 2:9; Eph 2:10).

Heart Preparation and Character Formation

Deep heart preparation is needed to fulfill the purposes of God, so the challenge is to take active steps to remove from our lives what defiles and is not consistent with Christian beliefs, and replace it with godly qualities (Josh 3:5; 1 Sam 7:3; Hos 10:12; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10; 2 Tim 2:20-21).

By responding correctly to trials, hardship, correction and discipline we will enter into victorious living (Rom 5:3-5; Heb 12:1-13; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7). The Bible says, get ready, expect and prepare to meet evil and adverse situations, then you will not be caught off guard or ill equipped (Eph 6:13; 1 Pet 1:13, 4:12). Preparation is done ahead of time, before the problem or potential crisis exists—it wasn't raining when Noah was building the ark!

Unforeseen events and challenges will present themselves. Cultivate stability of character, and have a deepening spiritual walk so they do not derail you from God's purposes.

While God's commands and principles remain constant, requiring the same unquestioning response each time in keeping with those directives, it is essential to be attentive to the Lord's guidance as different everyday circumstances may require different directions in their outworking. This is highlighted when Jesus sent out the disciples; twice He told them to go without any provisions, then another time reversed that advice (Lk 9:3, 10:1-4, 22:36). The Bible counsels us to both live for today and prepare for the future; in both scenarios we are to have eternal values in mind (Mt 6:19-20).

While it is right and sensible to make reasonable preparations for the future, be careful not to place undue confidence in your human efforts. Jesus' advice was, don't worry, your heavenly Father knows your needs and will faithfully provide. He stressed our efforts should be directed towards His Kingdom, besides being outward focused and responsive to the needs of others, which will not go unnoticed by God (1 Kgs 17:9-16; Prov 11:25; Mt 6:25-34, 10:42).

Both faith and obedience to guidance are part of preparation

Jesus spoke of the prosperous farmer whose confidence was in his ability and then reflected in his selfish attitude of being concerned only about himself and his planned comfort, yet his life was taken before he even had a chance to use what he had hoarded (Lk 12:16-21). There was nothing wrong with the plan to build bigger barns; the problem was God was neither thanked for the bountiful crops nor consulted in what he should do with the excess produce, such as sharing some with others. In contrast, Pharaoh listened to and followed Joseph's God-given advice to store up provisions during the time of plenty that later kept many people from starvation (Gen 41:15-41).

Reflection and Application:

What areas of your life require more thorough preparation before you can move forward with confidence?
How does your current spiritual preparation reflect your expectation of Christ's return?
Are there habits or attitudes you need to remove, and godly qualities you need to cultivate, in order to be ready for God's purposes?
How can you balance practical planning with dependence on God's provision and guidance?