Preach the Word; be prepared.

2 Timothy 4:2

You cannot preach the Word, proclaim the Message, tell your story with God, unless you are prepared to do so. In fact preparation is the key to living, anyway you look at it. If you are going on a mountain hike you lace up your sturdy shoes, pack some water, grab your hiking stick, put on your sunscreen, check on the weather—you prepare as best you can. If you are writing an exam you study the material. If you are playing on a basketball team you shoot free throws till it’s second nature. If you are getting married you learn how to please the love of your life. When you’re expecting your first child you go to the prenatal classes. You prepare.

It is only logical then that you prepare ahead of time to pass on your faith legacy. Not only does Paul underline the necessity of preparation to Timothy; the apostle Peter has the same to say: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15).

First thing, study the Word. You need to know God’s story—things like His divine nature, the love He had for mankind, the plan He had from before the beginning of time; Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross, to suffer, to die; the truth of the resurrection. I could go on and on. Your pastor should preach the Word, as ours does; likewise your SMBS teacher should teach the Word, as ours does. You should be involved in a small group study of the Word with your girlfriends; or check out Womenary, a seminary style class for women, at womenary.com. Know the theology of the authors you read and the websites you visit, that they are true to the Word.

Next, know your story with God. Write it down. For some reason, putting pen to paper helps clarify and simplify the essentials of your history with Jesus. When did you doubt? How did you finally come to the realization He was your Savior and Lord? Consider that your faith legacy. I’m being prompted to polish up my “silver charm” stories mentioned yesterday, as I write. By preparing you will embed the nuances of your encounters with God in your mind.

Nancy P