Are you ready for the opportunity you’ve been praying for? What if God called today—would you be prepared to answer? How many times have you thought to yourself, I wish God would use me already! You feel like the time is now, but nothing seems to be happening. I’ve been there. For years, I’ve felt the pull of my calling—to share my story on a stage, inspiring others to see how God can transform lives. I’ve seen this vision clearly, even as far back as 2007 when God healed me from 19 years of addiction. In fact, the first time I saw someone speak on stage, at 18 years old, I thought, That’s me right there.
Why did I know? Because I was the outcast. The underdog. The person no one expected to succeed. Even in my darkest moments, I knew my destiny was tied to a stage. But here’s the thing: having the vision isn’t enough. The question remains: Are you ready? When God opens the door, you may only get one chance to step into your calling. Will you be prepared to walk through it?
Preparation is Key
God honors what we prepare for. When the opportunity comes, it’s too late to start preparing; the work must be done beforehand. Think about football players. They don’t just show up on game day—they practice, plan, and refine their craft during the week. The game is won in preparation, not on the field.
What about you? If you’ve always dreamed of writing a book, would you be ready if a publisher asked for a manuscript tomorrow? Or have you spent more time talking about your dream than working toward it? This hits home for me because I’ve been there. I’ve talked about writing books for years, but my preparation often lagged behind my dreams.
Preparation is faith in action. It’s showing God you trust Him to open doors, even when you don’t know when or how they’ll come. Remember the saying: Success is when opportunity meets preparation.
Biblical Examples of Preparedness
God’s Word is full of examples of people who were ready when He called them—even if they didn’t realize it at the time. Consider David. Long before he became king, his time as a shepherd prepared him to face Goliath and eventually lead a nation. During those years, he fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep, not knowing those battles were training for something greater.
Then there’s Joseph. His journey was anything but smooth. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, Joseph could have given up. But during those years, he honed his leadership skills, managed resources, and stayed faithful. When Pharaoh called on him to interpret a dream, Joseph was ready. That moment changed his life—and the course of history.
Both David and Joseph teach us a powerful lesson: God uses your current season to prepare you for the next. The challenges you’re facing now may be equipping you for the opportunities to come.
My Journey of Preparation
Looking back, I see how God has been preparing me all along. In 2018, I stepped onto five stages to share my story—an opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without years of preparation through countless one-on-one conversations. Those countless interactions became my practice. So when the moment came, I was ready. Sure, I was nervous, but I knew my story. Preparation took over, and I delivered.
The same was true when Sandy and I launched The Chris & Sandy Show. Years of meaningful conversations prepared me to connect with our guests naturally. Before each show, I’d remind myself, “Trust the conversation.” That simple phrase carried me through, allowing me to guide the discussion while letting our guests shine.
Beyond these moments, God also used smaller, everyday tasks to prepare me. Whether it was learning to write blog posts, refining my communication skills, or practicing patience during challenging seasons, everything played a part in shaping me for future opportunities.
Recently, I’ve found myself writing more than I have in a long time and reading more than I have in years. Why? Because I believe that 2025 is going to be the year God says, “Go.” I want to be ready when that moment comes. We can’t be ready for everything, but we can be as ready as we can be. When He calls, I don’t want to question it—I just want to move.
Your Time to Prepare
Many of us want doors to open, but the truth is, we’re not ready. What if 2025 became your year of preparation? What if you used this time to build a strong foundation so that when God’s call comes, you’re ready to answer?
Start now. If you feel called to write, begin writing. If you want to speak, practice sharing your story. If your calling involves creativity, ministry, or leadership, ask yourself: What skills do I need to develop today to be effective tomorrow?
Whatever your calling, take steps today to prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. Preparation isn’t always visible or glamorous, but it’s essential. The small, faithful acts you commit to now will position you for God’s greater plans.
Reflections
What’s your Goliath? Like David, you’ve faced challenges that seem insurmountable. Those battles are shaping you for something greater. Reflect on how these experiences might be equipping you.
Scripture: “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
Are you stewarding your gifts? Joseph didn’t wait for the palace to start leading. He led wherever he was—even in prison. Are you using your gifts where you are now, or waiting for the “perfect” opportunity?
Scripture: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)
What can you do today? Preparation isn’t always glamorous. It’s the unseen work—the hours of practice, the quiet faithfulness—that leads to success. What’s one step you can take today toward your calling?
Quote: *“Success happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Zig Ziglar
Remember, when God opens the door, it’s not the time to start preparing; it’s the time to walk through. Trust that He’s using this season to equip you for the next. So, are you ready?dy?