Written by Rebecca Johnson
Today at church, I was asked to speak about my experience with Alpha—and I didn’t see it coming.
That morning, I felt God gently nudge me to wear a specific outfit. Nothing dramatic. No deep reasoning. I wasn’t even thinking about what I was going to wear, if I’m honest. I just wanted to hear the Word of God. But I listened and obeyed.
During worship, someone from the team approached me and another woman and asked if we would be willing to come up and share our experience on camera. In that moment, I said yes. The other woman declined—she didn’t feel comfortable being seen on camera—and I completely understood that.
What surprised me wasn’t the request, but what I felt when I stood up there.
It was only two minutes. Maybe even less. But as I stood there speaking, I felt this quiet but powerful realization settle in my spirit: everything I had done up until this moment had prepared me for it. Every prayer, every season of growth, every time I showed up when no one was watching—it all mattered.
It reminded me of this verse:
“…the virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet.”
(Matthew 25:10)
The difference wasn’t opportunity—it was readiness.
The invitation came to all of them. Only those who were prepared stepped through the door.
I also thought of Paul’s words to Timothy:
“Be prepared in season and out of season…”
(2 Timothy 4:2)
Sometimes preparation doesn’t look like standing on a stage or holding a microphone. Sometimes it looks like obedience in the small things. Sometimes it looks like showing up consistently, even when you don’t know why. Sometimes it looks like saying yes when your nerves say no.
What struck me most was this: I didn’t feel like I suddenly became ready in that moment. I realized that I already was.
That’s what preparation does. It doesn’t always announce itself. It quietly builds confidence, faith, and courage over time—until one day, when the moment comes, you step forward without hesitation.
If there are jobs, opportunities, callings, or dreams you’re believing for this year, let this be your reminder: now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until the door opens to start getting ready.
Because when God opens a door, He often expects us to walk through it—already equipped.
As the saying goes, failure to plan is planning to fail. But when we prepare with God, even the moments we didn’t plan for become divine appointments.
So be ready.
In season and out of season.
For the moment you didn’t expect—but were always being prepared for.
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