Greatness is in the preparation

Proverbs 24:30-34 "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man."

It was about 20 year ago when I first heard the statement, "Greatness is in the preparation."  As a 15 year boy, it really didn't mean that much to me at the time, but I never forgot it. Over the years I have pondered on it from time to time and I have come to understand it better now more than ever.

If something is going to be great, not so great, or lousy, it is going to be the preparation that often makes the difference.  Take a sports team for example.  They spend more time on preparing for game time than they do the actual game.  A great movie will take months in preparation for a great 2 hour long movie.  A great garden requires much preparation.  A great event must be prepared for in order to ensure its greatness. 

You may be asking yourself, how does this apply to my life, most importantly my Christian life?  Well, if greatness is in the preparation, then how we prepare for our daily lives is important if we want to have and experience a great Christian life.  How much preparation are you putting into your daily life?  Is one church service a week enough?  Is 2 or 3?  Not if you are expecting to have great victories in your life it isn't.  It is going to require daily preparation in studying God's word, in spending time with God in prayer, in making an effort to do what God is prompting you to do.  If you are prepared for the devils attacks they will be easier to avoid.  Get yourself prepared and begin experiencing the great benefits of being a Christian. For greatness is in the preparation.