Practical Preparation

In this post I talked a little about practical preparation for women who want to get married. Today's post is more general.

Anyone can do practical preparation for what God has called them to do. I have a vague idea of what I want to do with my life, and how I can honor God by doing it, but it's still possible He will lead me in a totally different direction. That's okay.

In the meantime, I can prepare practically. In addition to studying God's Word, going to church, and living as He called us to live, we can learn new skills that will be useful in our lives.

Do you want to learn a foreign language? But you aren't sure why? Do it. Want to take a night class that interests you? Do it. Feel the need to go to an event and meet people? Do it. Need to learn to drive? Do it.

Remember to always honor God in everything you do, and He can use any new skills you learn for His glory.

I chose to do this post today because I have recently been learning new recipes. I like to think I'm a good cook, and I can follow a recipe to the letter - and improvise if necessary. There is still so much more I need to learn though. There are recipes that my Mom can make that I really want to learn, so I am.

Who knows how this will be used in my future? It's possible that it won't be used in a big way. That's okay. I like food, and (for the most part) I enjoy cooking. So it's something I'm happy to learn.

Practical preparation. Any time you can learn a practical skill, I say do it. You never know when it could come in handy.

Beyond learning new skills, anytime you have the opportunity to help and serve others, take it. This isn't just preparation - it's actively serving God. If you have time, volunteer. It doesn't have to be a daily, or even weekly thing. Offer to help out at church functions, or at your child's school.

There are always opportunities to help others, learn new skills, and to serve God.
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"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them" (James 4:13-17).

"...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people (Ephesians 6:7).