Yesterday, I had to do a brief segment on AM Buffalo, a
live morning television program that airs in my city. I was with WUFO’s general
manager, Sheila Brown, and others who will be participating in the 2012 EXPO
this Friday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For more information about the EXPO, click
here.
As the keynote speaker for this event, I was asked to let everyone know what they could expect from the message and the general activities for that day.
As I sat waiting, accompanied by those who would also be a part of the segment, I watched the show’s producers bustling around, taking notes, and asking questions. They were responsible for positioning the guests, informing everyone of their specific roles and timeslots, and making sure all the logistical details were worked out.
Because the program airs live, there’s no room for error once the cameras are rolling. There’s no such thing as yelling “cut!” and starting over. Things are happening in real time, so the preparation period is critical.
Once we all had our microphones attached yesterday morning and were properly positioned on set, we were ready for action. Though it all went by rather quickly with no glitches, the thousands of people viewing AM Buffalo at home didn’t get to see all that went into those few fleeting moments.
Without the prep time, the “lights, camera, action” time would have been a mess.
You likely can see where I’m about to go with this.
Most people despise preparation. They don’t like to put in the work necessary to get them ready for what happens once they come from behind the scenes to the forefront.
But what takes place when no one is watching is most important to the process.
That’s why God takes great care to refine us, work on us, teach us, mold us, mature us, and instruct us before releasing us into our destiny. He cares about us too much to throw us out there before we’re ready for a certain level of responsibility and exposure.
Just like the producers of AM Buffalo went to great lengths to get things all set and ready before guests made their way into viewers’ homes, God preps us for our ministry before letting us loose.
Sometimes, his preparation methods are hard and painful. Quite often, they last a whole lot longer than we prefer. Truth be told, many of us think we’re ready long before we actually are. So we may find ourselves feeling frustrated with the holding pattern we’re in.
But don’t get antsy or anxious. God knows what’s best for you. He knows your capacity and capability, and will not place more upon you than you can handle.
So if you’re still behind the scenes, that in no way means you are not gifted, chosen, and anointed. It just means there’s yet some refining God is doing before unleashing you.
Conversely, if God has thrust you into the spotlight, laid responsibility upon you, and pushed you past your comfort zone, that in no way means you will break, wilt, or crash under the pressure. It just means you’re ready, equipped, capable, and well able to complete the task set before you.
Either way, when it comes to your season of release, whether you’re waiting for it or walking in it right now, it can be tough to adapt. But if you remember that God is with you right where you are, and that you are firmly centered in His will, you won’t panic, sweat, or fret. You’ll accept your season, allow God to do His work in your life, and trust His timing.
To help you accept the season you’re in—good or bad—I’m stirring Philippians 4:12-13NIV into your cup of inspiration. In it, the Apostle Paul says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be inspired by the truth of God’s word that assures you that you can endure any season through Christ who gives you strength. With the Lord on your side, you’ll be alright.
In fact, you’ll be better than alright.
You will thrive!
You know why? Because God never leads you to a place and leaves you there all by yourself. He holds your hand; ministers to you; encourages you; strengthens you; empowers you; and instructs you on how to effectively navigate the waters you’re treading so they will not overtake you.
So even through the most treacherous circumstances, you’ll be able to say like David in Psalm 23:4 NIV: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Now let’s pray.
God, thank you for reminding me that You have anointed me for this season I’m in right now. You have empowered me to thrive in conditions that would overwhelm others and it’s only because I am walking in Your will. Today, I come against any worry, fear, or anxiety that would attach itself to me and I fight back with the word of God. At this moment, I declare and speak over my life that I can do all things through You, Oh God, who gives me strength. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
