Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we're looking at the importance of preparation. When it comes to spiritual, physical, or mental tasks, preparation often makes the difference between victory and failure.
But what happens when you don’t prepare?
Take a minute to think about it—and be honest with yourself.
The results of being unprepared are predictable. Things we hoped wouldn’t happen do happen—and occur with greater frequency than the things we hoped would happen. The reason is simple: being unprepared puts us out of position.
In life, we face situations where the stakes are high—sometimes spiritual, other times physical or emotional. And just like in everyday tasks, preparation is key.
The Consequences of Being Unprepared
Ask negotiators what happens at the bargaining table when they are out of position. Ask athletes what happens on the field or court when they are out of position. Ask a teacher what happens in the classroom when they are out of position.
No matter the arena, when people are out of position, the results are always the same…
They lose.
The Bible also teaches us the importance of being prepared. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13, KJV), five wise virgins took the time to prepare extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived, the wise were ready, while the unprepared were left scrambling and ultimately shut out of the wedding feast. Jesus used this story to illustrate the importance of spiritual readiness, showing that those who prepare are positioned to enter into blessing, while those who are unprepared miss out.
Preparation positions people correctly, and it is often the difference between winning and losing.
Preparation Takes Time and Effort
A frustrating thing about preparation is that it usually takes much more time than the actual event you prepare for. And the preparation is far less glamorous than the event itself. Spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation.
King David didn’t become a mighty warrior or a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, KJV) by accident. His preparation began when he was a shepherd, practicing with his sling, and learning to depend on God while protecting his sheep. That quiet preparation laid the foundation for his public victory over Goliath.
This is the lesson we often resist: the hard work of preparation is necessary to see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV) says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Even the ant instinctively prepares for the future, storing up provisions. How much more should we, as believers, prepare for the tasks God has set before us?
The Danger of Shortcuts: Importance of preparation
As leaders, we have a tendency to avoid the dirty work of preparation and take shortcuts on our way to the finish line. The problem is that there are no shortcuts to success. We often want the reward without the work, but Scripture warns against this mindset.
Proverbs 21:5 (KJV) reminds us, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” Hastiness or taking shortcuts leads to lack, but diligence—preparing thoroughly and faithfully—leads to abundance.
Henry Ford observed, “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.” While talent wants to jump into action, preparation positions talent to be effective. Talent plus preparation often leads to success. Talent minus preparation often leads to disaster.
John Maxwell often shares that every minute spent in preparation saves ten minutes in execution. That may be hard to believe, but after you feel enough pain from having to start over in the middle of a task because you didn’t prepare well, it becomes believable! This principle is evident in the spiritual realm as well. Jesus Himself spent 40 days fasting and praying in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, KJV), preparing for His public ministry. He didn’t rush into His mission but took time to prepare through spiritual discipline.
How Do You Prepare?
So, how do you prepare? Where does the preparation process begin for you?
Here are 6 questions you can ask yourself to be sure you’re prepared for what needs to be accomplished:
What work is to be done?
How is it to be done?
When is it to be done?
Where is it to be done?
How fast can it be done?
What do I need to get it done?
Our attitude on preparation begins to change when we realize that the best can always be improved. If we ask these preparation questions before diving into any task, whatever talent we have for the task is positioned for maximum effect.
This mindset is echoed in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV): “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul encouraged Timothy to prepare himself by studying and rightly applying God’s Word. Just like Timothy, we are called to do the same in our spiritual and practical lives.
Build on the Best
Don’t rest on the best; build on the best.
Consider the Apostle Paul—though one of the greatest teachers of the New Testament, he always sought to improve, striving toward the goal of knowing Christ more deeply (Philippians 3:13-14, KJV). This pursuit of excellence, grounded in preparation, allowed him to have a massive impact on the early church.
And it all starts with your preparation.
Prepare yourself by getting in position for maximum impact. John Wooden said, “When opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.” So, prepare today.
God has called you for a purpose, but success in that purpose requires preparation. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV) tells us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” In other words, give it your all—spirit, soul, and body—by preparing for the task ahead with diligence, focus, and faith.
What are some areas of your life where you feel unprepared? How can you apply these preparation principles to your spiritual, emotional, and physical life? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section—we’d love to hear from you!
Excellent Article Doc; you can put them into a book