Prepare Me
My calendar this spring/summer was filled with the most traveling I’ve ever done in one season, in my life. In March, I was in Atlanta. In April, I was in D.C. In May, I was in Sarasota, FL and Clearwater, FL. In June, I was in Orlando, FL. In July, I went back to Orlando, FL then to Boston and Chicago. And in August, I’m going to Jamaica.
Although I traveled to these places for either business or personal, every trip had one thing in common: Each destination was prepared for my arrival.
As I was thinking about this the other day, I remembered an airplane analogy I heard years ago that has helped me persevere while waiting on God. If you’ve ever been on a plane, you know that once the plane begins its descent, and you can see land, the plane doesn’t immediately land. Instead, the pilot must first be sure that the destination is ready for our arrival. Specifically, the pilot has to confirm that ground conditions are prepared for landing. Similarly, it doesn’t matter how ready we are for God’s promise, if the promise isn’t ready for us, and we force it anyway because we’re tired of waiting, your landing will be disastrous.
When I think about the current season of my life, the airplane analogy makes me even more grateful for the time I had to wait for this season to arrive. Why? Because the conditions on both sides were ready. I was prepared for this season and it was prepared for me. And I know this because of the unspeakable joy, the embarrassing favor, the unmatched peace, and the mind-blowing acceleration I’ve been experiencing.
As a result of this season of my life, it has changed how I pray for the things I’m waiting for God to bring to fruition. Instead of asking God when is the promise coming or nagging Him about why I need the promise now, my prayer has become: “Dear God, prepare me for what I’m praying for.” Specifically, I’ve been focusing on three prayer targets:
Imposter Syndrome: Despite my successes in this season, there have been moments I’ve doubted my abilities and times when I’ve felt like a fraud. It’s easy to be confident when my audience is familiar, but an unfamiliar audience makes me second-guess myself. To combat this, I’ve been asking God to deliver me from self-esteem flaws, both hidden and visible, that can prevent me from boldly doing what He’s called me to do.
Family and Friends: This season has also prompted a shift in my relationship with family and friends. For example, my loved ones have had to be more flexible and understanding as my usual routines and availability have been affected by this life shift. So, I’ve been asking God to keep my village, to bless them for their sacrifices of love and time, and to give me the wisdom needed to maintain my role in their lives. By God’s grace, I can live purposely in every area of my life.
Embrace the Favor: God has been embarrassing me this season because of the demonstration of miracles, signs and wonders He’s allowed to happen on my behalf. I know these things have to happen for God’s glory so I’ve been asking God to help me embrace His favor. I was created to stand out so others will see God. And though I don’t always feel worthy, I know obedience opens doors. And when I obey God, people get blessed, including me.
If you’re currently in a waiting season, relish every moment. Use the time to study the Word for wisdom and to seek God in prayer about what you need to gain and/or lose physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally before landing. Why? Because what got you to this level, may not be sufficient for the next. And if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.