Ready or Not

As I write this post, I am preparing to go back to college. 😦 I had a lovely break of doing absolutely no homework. I spent time with my family, attended my church, and hung out with my friends. I cooked meals in my own kitchen, showered in my own shower, and slept in my own bed. I enjoyed being home.

But now I must return to my home away from home—the far-away land called College.

And I’m not ready.

How could I have thought that I would feel ready for this?

I don’t want to go back.

After taking a break from classes, professors, tests, and homework assignments, I can’t imagine going back. I don’t want to return to the demanding schedule, the constant socialization, and the irritating classmates. I’m dreading the lack of sleep and homecooked meals and clean showers. I already miss my family.

I’m not ready.

But maybe I don’t have to feel ready. Maybe I don’t have to feel anything. Maybe I just have to do something. In fact, maybe we shouldn’t be so worried about feeling ready. Maybe we just need to do the next right thing.

Perhaps you’re thinking about something you’re not ready for.

I’m not ready to start this new job, go back to church, or return to a ministry. I’m not ready to talk to this person, move to this place, or start a family. I’m not ready to take this class, begin this relationship, or lead this group.

Go. Stay. Try. Wait. Learn. Teach. Listen. Explain. Watch. Show.

Do.   

Maybe it’s time to rip off the Band-Aid. You know what I’m referring to. It’s the Band-Aid that says, “You’re not ready. You can’t do this. You shouldn’t even bother.”

Actually, that’s no Band-Aid. That’s Satan. He wants you to forget about God’s purpose and plan. He’d rather you to stay in your little bubble for your whole life.

But God often works beyond our little bubbles.

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21 NASB)

I could stay in my cozy little house and eat sour gummy worms forever, but I can’t do much for God while I’m lounging around.

If God wills for us to do something, He will make a way for it to happen. Then we must choose to walk that way. He provides people for us to work with and opportunities for us to work in. That’s how we learn to obey Him—when we take those opportunities and work with those people.

Maybe we should spend less time wondering if we’re ready and more time wondering if we’re following where God leads.

Don’t listen to Satan, who says that you can’t do it and you’re not prepared. Listen to the One who says He will prepare you for the challenges ahead.

He’s making us ready.