I don’t like feeling unprepared. There is something in me that wants to cross all my t’s and dot all my i’s. Preparation makes me feel like there is a greater chance of success ahead of me. And I like to be successful at whatever I do.
Sure, there are times when I’m cool with “winging it.” For instance, I went to the grocery store without my neatly typed-up grocery list with checkboxes next to each item. Yes, I inevitably forgot some things, but I can always go back to the store if we really need hot dogs.
But when it’s imperative, when the result of my effort impacts other people in significant ways, I want to be prepared.
When my mom moved in with us at the end of 2020, I was in preparation overdrive. We needed everything from a bed to storage solutions. The space plan had to be functional so that Mom could maintain independence. The closet needed to be purged of all the clothes that I would never fit into again. The bathroom required accessibility devices. And every doctor needed to be researched and carefully chosen to provide the best medical and cultural care for my mother.
I feel this passionately about being prepared for things God has specifically called me to do. Lord, I don’t want to mess this up!
Too often, I don’t think I’m prepared enough or even qualified to do what God is asking. So I’ll postpone the calling, waiting for the seemingly opportune time or when preparation — according to me — has been achieved.
Moses had a similar struggle. Long after he ran away from Egypt, he was minding his own business, taking care of sheep near the mountain of God, when the Lord spoke to him from a burning bush.
“‘Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.’ But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?’ God answered, ‘I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.’” (Exodus 3:9-12, NLT)
On the surface, Moses’ rebuttal seems plausible, even humble. He was just a lowly shepherd for his father-in-law, doing his best to take care of his family. Who was he to talk to Pharaoh and lead millions of Israelites out of Egypt?
But let’s not forget the beginning of Moses’ story. Moses was found by Pharaoh’s daughter as a baby and lived as a part of the royal household of Egypt for 40 years! Forty years sounds like a long time to learn all of Egypt’s necessary customs and build relationships with Pharaoh and his family.
Maybe Moses forgot about the first half of his life. But God didn’t. God was preparing him for his calling. And God has prepared you for whatever He is calling you to do from the burning bush in your heart. You may just need a friend to jog your memory to see all of the ways God has been cultivating you.
Even still, you may be overwhelmed. But the answer God gave to Moses is the same answer He gives to you: “... I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12a, NLT). That’s all you need. God’s presence in your life completes your preparation to answer your calling. God is with you, friend!
Father, Your promise to be with me is all that I need to courageously chase my calling, no matter the season. When I feel anxious or unprepared, send me a gentle reminder of Your powerful presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
