Prepared?

Two weeks ago I got word that the textbooks for our new class were in and I could pick mine up at church the next morning.  I was so excited.  I had trouble sleeping that night because I could not wait to pick it up.  I was giddy with anticipation.  (You can stop laughing.  I am not that crazy or weird)  I love to learn!  Don't just say well you should since you are a teacher.  Because I know many teachers who feel they have their degree so their learning is over.  But that is so untrue.  We learn from everything and everyone around us.


So, I love to learn, and I love books.  They are like friends.  You read them and get to know them.  You can revisit them to review or learn something new.  My point is I am excited because I have a new book.


This new book will open up a new world and teach me new ideas.  It will help prepare me for things to come.  And most of all it will help me grow closer to God.


Part of growing closer to God means preparing for the work He had for you to do.  I do not know where God is leading me right now.  Maybe I will remain where I am and do what I am doing.  Either way I want to be prepared for where God leads me or for what questions I am asked.  I will still rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and whatever other help God sends my way.  But I want to have the relationship and arsenal God needs in me so I am prepared to follow.


Peter tells us "Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:13).  And in 1 Peter 3:15, he says, " But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..."  Both verses say to be prepared.  How can you do this without opening a book to study?


A year ago, I was studying for the final exam for my second class.  I had read the text and answered all the objectives and questions.  To help me prepare, I made flashcards to quiz myself over and over.  The day of the final, I was on a school bus returning from a field trip. To pass the time I was running through my flashcards again.  One of my colleagues saw what I was doing and asked about it.  I explained about the class and we talked for a little while about it.  She then said to me that she didn't have time for that besides she would rather go to church and have the preacher tell her what she needed to know.  I could not believe it.  How does she know they are teaching her the right thing?  How will she develop a relationship with God if she does not spend time?  How will she be prepared?