Preparation

One of my heroes pointed out to me recently a sports team proverb:

“What you are at practice is what you will be during a game.”

If you are not working hard to be ready for opportunity, opportunity will be missed to the point of maybe not even being recognized.

If you are questioning your effectiveness in ministry, or your strength of character, or if the way you are viewed in Heaven might be less than flattering, spend more time in preparation – practice harder.

John Wesley perceived grace to be the power of God to change and empower believers to powerful, culture-impacting lives. He believed that there are means of grace – activities that can make us more available to the work of grace in our lives. Study and memorization of Scripture, prayer, fasting, relationships in which no secrets of sin or weakness are hidden, and other acts of faith could bring us into greater positions of being influenced and formed by God’s grace. Some people today call these “spiritual disciplines.”

It is God Who works in us both to will and to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:12,13). It is the burdens He picks for us that are easily moved by the yokes He fits to our necks.

If you are struggling with the yoke, ask for more burden. The more you are moved by what breaks His heart, the more empowered you are to be yoked with the power to change it and bless Him.