In life, personal growth is a decision. No one will grow for you. Nobody eats on your behalf when you are hungry. There is a saying that a hungry man is an angry man. No hungry man will pick up a loaf of bread and put it on someone else’s mouth. It is your duty to do what necessitates growth and maturity in life. Meaning, in life you must be prepared to do the needful. Really, greatness in life is not for the unprepared. Someone once said that, “Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Those who get prepared are always ready for every opportunity that presents itself before them.
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That reminds me of David. While at the back side of desert watching over the family flock in his care, he was busy acquiring skills and preparing himself. As a shepherd boy, he encountered a lion and bear which came after his flock, he killed them both. He became skilled in the art of war at a very tender age. While also watching over the flock, he was not idling away time, but also busy sharpening his musical talents. Now when the opportunity presented itself by Goliath degrading and insulting the army of Israel, David was so mad at the Philistine warlord. While his brothers tried stopping him, he looked at them and said, “Is there not a cause” (1 Samuel 17:29). This uncircumcised Philistine stands here insulting the God of Israel, and you are here hiding and afraid. God forbid!
But what really gave the inexperienced David the impetus to face Goliath, when all the experienced warlords of Israel were afraid? It’s just one simple word: Preparation! David allowed God to prepare him by staying in God’s presence. He knew what and what not to be doing per time. He got prepared both physically and spiritually which most armies of Israel never had. By his relationship with God, David became so confident in His maker. No wonder when he stood before Goliath, he looked at him and said: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). We all know the end of the story. The question is: How prepared are you in the things that God has committed to your hands. If opportunity suddenly presents itself – are you ready – will you be able to handle it?
Like the unjust steward who buried his talent (Matt.25:18), many people today have allowed their talents to lie fallow without cultivation. Listen, the seed of greatness is in you, and until you plant it, and nurture it, it will not germinate. If you know you have a gift and talent in music, drawing, teaching, writing, cooking, or whatsoever, do not leave it lying dormant. It is your route to greatness. Just maximize it by putting it to use, learning all you can in that area. Remember, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16). Why? “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men” (Proverbs 22:29). Like David in the back of desert, you should just keep practicing and sharpening your talents. Yes, it calls for diligence. You may not be known or recognized by anyone at the moment. But as you remain faithful in working at it, the Almighty God will showcase you to the world like He did to David. Never forget, “Preparation time is not wasted time”. Have a fantastic week. With love, Elvis!
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