Wait and Prepare Yourself

‘The time has come, He said...’ Mark 1:15 NIV

The Bible says: ‘After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming…“The time has come…The Kingdom of God is near”…’ (vv14–15 NIV) The average preacher takes three years to prepare for a ministry that will last thirty years or so. Jesus did the reverse. He took thirty years to prepare for a ministry that would last just over three. What’s the point? The quality of your preparation determines the quality of your performance. The world’s greatest pianists invest hundreds of hours into practice before a concert. That’s because they know those gruelling hours of preparation will allow them to give their best performance. World champion boxers don’t become champions in the ring; they are merely recognised in the ring. Their ‘becoming’ is a result of their daily routine. Something important is happening at each stage of your development. For example, God can introduce you to someone today who will play a major role in your life twenty or thirty years from now. If you’re in a hurry you may not stop long enough to connect with them. Think what a loss that would be. Waiting also reveals the weakness in your plans. Haven’t you looked back and said, ‘Thank You, Lord, for saving me from that!’ Each chapter and season of life has a benefit and a product if only you will look for it. Before Christ launched His ministry, we read: ‘Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52 NIV) Jesus understood the value of timing and training. He was willing to wait and prepare Himself. You must too.