The Epitome of Preparing

Still remember the Beijing Olympics 2008? The world was so amazed especially during the Opening Ceremony- it was indeed grand! But many among the million watchers across the countries were really not aware all the things behind these colourful fireworks, remarkable dances or overall epic performance. What happened before the Olympics? How much effort was put in by the Chinese government for this global event? Do all the people know that many factories in China were shutdown to give way for this event? Were all the people aware that the performers were trained for almost a year?

Are you not delighted that in any one-day event, people will spend many days in preparing (that's excluding the crammers of course)? The Olympics Committee prepared for many months for the 2-week-event. Singapore prepared for few months for the 3-day F1 Race. We can still add to the list. Wedding? The couple and families will prepare for months time for the one- day celebration. Why? Because if we miss it, we lose it…

Let me also take the risk of sounding negative because it's also worth noting and reminding everyone that our lives are not all about "hurray's", which means that we also have to prepare for the opposite scenarios that may blow anytime. Taking the global crisis now for example, far from expected (and wanted of course), many economies now across the globe have shattered, including the US.

We can really never tell what's next but that's the epitome of preparing- something that most of us already know but sadly, many are still subscribers of "bahala na" habit, facing all these events at their own peril. Let me "spiritualized" that, many believers are so comfortable knowing that God will be their rescue- a manna falling from heaven. They are forgetting that God will pour out the rain to the field that is ready. Of course, I'm not underestimating His grace but if "preparing" is not part of the plan then He should have already purged out the word "prepare" in the Bible a long time ago.

What are the prayers you are praying for? What are the BIG dreams you are dreaming about? Yes, we can never tell what tomorrow will be but without us preparing, most likely we know where we will end...

Let me conclude with this parable that was stressed in the movie, Facing the Giants:

There are two farmers who needed rain. One prayed. The other one, aside from praying, he went out and prepared his fields in anticipation of the rain. Which of the 2 fields that God will send the rain? Which of the 2 farmers you think that GOD will answer? Now, which one are you?