Did you know that God wants to give you a word of wisdom? The Bible says in James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Have you seen this reel on Instagram? The truth behind it caught my attention (and my heart). Sometimes the delay is your preparation. Not God stalling, but Him waiting on YOU to be ready. But how do we prepare for what we’ve prayed for? Read on to find practical tips you can implement TODAY.
What is the power of preparation?
First, let’s look at the definition of being prepared. Being prepared means being firm, stable, established, to be set up, to be ready, to make arrangements ( source ). While I’m a stickler for creating and sticking to a plan, I believe preparation is more than merely making a plan. Roger Crawford says, “When you mentally prepare, it strengthens the belief that success is not only possible but also probable. By visualizing your desired result, it will help eliminate distractions and focus your mind.” Actual preparation means examining where you are in life, what your habits are (good and bad), and being disciplined enough to change.
Three Tips for Being Prepared for What You Prayer For
#1 Prepare by creating good habits.
Habits are essential to your success. As life progresses and the motivation fades, habits allow you to stay consistent. Here are two great habits to start as you wait on what you’ve prayed for –
- Use your time wisely – According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, wasting time means “to spend (one’s time) idly or without purpose; occupy oneself without accomplishing anything of value.” Beautiful, stop procrastinating.
- Connect with the Lord daily – Make it a priority not only in your waiting season but in your life overall to set aside time to connect with our Heavenly Father. As you spend more time in His presence, your strength is renewed to keep moving, and you will learn to be sensitive to His pulling, which is what we all need to survive this journey of being a wife, mom, and business owner.
#2 Prepare by being open to opportunities.
God doesn’t always move how we think He should. In fact, the scriptures teach us that His thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways. (Isiah 55:8-9) Preparing for what you prayed for doesn’t mean constantly looking for what you prayed for to materialize precisely how you prayed. Don’t get me wrong, God can and does move this way. But, I wonder how many of us, myself included, have missed out on a move of God because it didn’t look how we expected it to. Or maybe it didn’t come when we wanted it to? I believe a big part of being prepared is approaching each day with expectant hope. Waiting and watching for even the slightest glimpse of God touching our day.
#3 Prepare by putting yourself in the right position.
I once heard Joyce Meyer tell a story during one of her sermons. She explained that she was having a difficult time watching others enjoy parts of life that she couldn’t enjoy anymore and gave the example of feeling convicted about a movie everyone around her enjoyed. She asked God, ‘Why can they enjoy those things?” He responded to her, “They didn’t ask me for what you asked me for. Do you want it or not?”
Beautiful, do you want it or not? Are you positioning yourself in a way that aligns with what you have asked God for? I recently came face to face with how I was positioning myself.
I went out for my friend’s birthday and we had a great time together. But, I went along with more than I should have, and I was ashamed when I looked at some of the photos. This is not who I want to be or how I want to show up, and it certainly doesn’t match the woman I’m praying for God to mold me into.
We’ve become complacent. We’ve become afraid of speaking up for the Word of God because it is not popular opinion or politically correct. But before you see what you’ve prayed for come to past, you’ve got to show up as a woman who stands firm on Truth. Who sets herself apart. Who is disciplined and prepared for God to move.
Prepare for What You Pray For
What if the next time you pray for something, you stop and asked yourself – Am I willing to put in the work? Am I ready to be disciplined and set apart? If you’re a part of this community, it’s likely that you are a mom, wife, entrepreneur, or aspiring to live a life full of “more.” More freedom in your day-to-day life, more time with your family, and more fulfillment in life because you took action and moved in faith. It also means that you are likely praying big, bold prayers. Ones that scare you and excite you all at once. Don’t stop.
Keep praying boldly and keep preparing yourself for the moment God says “Go.” Keep being molded into the beautiful woman God has called you to be.
How do you prepare for what you’ve prayed for? Comment below!
XOXO
JasmineDiane
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