River of Life Community Church, Haverhill : Be Prepared

Be Prepared

Last year extreme surfer Garrett McNamara broke a world record by surfing a 90 ft wave in Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal. That was lucky you might say and there may be an element of good fortune attached to the achievement, but the reality is that Garrett had been surfing for over ten years and had been visiting places where the surf was likely to be high for some time. The one thing Garrett McNamara could not control was the size of the surf on any given day but he could control his skill levels and he could make sure he was in a place where a record size surf was more likely.

I think most of us want to do something significant with our lives. It may be an obvious outwardly visible achievement or something more in the back ground and less outwardly obvious. But I wonder if many of us never really get there because we are waiting for this opportunity to do something to arise? The challenge that I guess Garrett McNamara presents to us is that it may be better to prepare ourselves as much as we can so that when the opportunity does arise we are in a more capable place to outwork our dreams or our aspirations.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2

Paul Turner, 14/01/2012