Why You Should Never Skip the Prep: How God Gets You Ready for Mission
Before you step into something great, you have to prepare.
Nobody shows up to school without brushing their teeth (we hope), putting on clothes, or tying their shoes. You prepare before you go.
The same is true in your walk with God. Before Jesus launched His disciples into world-changing mission, He did something crucial: He prepared them.
In Acts 1, we find Jesus post-resurrection, pre-ascension. And instead of rushing them out the door, He slows them down. Over 40 days, He gives them proof of His resurrection, teaches them about God’s Kingdom, and commands them to wait for the Holy Spirit.
“4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8 NIV)
The message is clear: Don’t go until you’re ready.
I once worked in a restaurant where prep work was everything. No prep meant disaster. In the kitchen. At the tables. For the guests. The greater the task, the greater the preparation.
And the same is true in the Kingdom.
God is not rushing you. But He is readying you. Big difference.
So what’s He preparing in you? Is He growing your character? Testing your trust? Calling you out of your comfort zone?
You already have the Spirit. You already know the mission.
Now it’s time to submit to the prep. Because once you’re filled and formed, it’s game time.
Let Him do a fresh work in you—so He can do a fresh work through you.