Preparation is the Key: God's Call to Get Your House in Order

As believers, we are called to be spiritually prepared for the challenges we may face in our daily lives. In the first Sunday of the year, Pastor Niel shared a prophetic word: "It’s time to get your house in order." This message resonated deeply in our hearts and serves as a clarion call to take action and prepare—both practically and spiritually—for what lies ahead.

When we talk about preparation, it’s not simply about having enough resources for physical needs. The deeper, more important preparation is spiritual, and it requires us to align ourselves with God’s Word, seeking His wisdom, walking in reverence, and trusting Him fully.

Let’s explore the three essential keys to godly preparation:

1. Fear of the Lord

The Bible makes it clear that the fear of the Lord is foundational to living a wise and prepared life. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This means that a reverent awe of God, respecting His authority and His commandments, is the first step toward living a life of preparation.

The fear of the Lord isn’t about being terrified of Him but hating what He hates—evil, pride, and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13). This kind of reverence should lead us to live lives of holiness and integrity, not just in public but also in private. As we prepare spiritually, we must first cultivate a heart that fears the Lord and seeks to honor Him in everything we do.

Key Scripture:
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

2. Godly Wisdom

Once we establish a fear of the Lord, the next step in our spiritual preparation is acquiring godly wisdom. In James 1:5, the Bible promises that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, and He will give it generously without finding fault.

God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy (James 3:17). When we seek wisdom, we’re seeking the ability to discern between good and evil, to make choices that reflect God’s will, and to live in alignment with His purposes. Wisdom allows us to navigate life’s uncertainties, and it equips us to prepare for the future, both physically and spiritually.

Like Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to lead His people (1 Kings 3:4-14), we too must seek wisdom from above to be prepared for whatever comes our way. Godly wisdom is more valuable than riches and more powerful than any earthly knowledge.

Key Scriptures:
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

3. Trust in the Lord

The final key to preparation is learning to trust in God completely. Trust is essential, especially when the road ahead is unclear or when fear tries to take hold of our hearts. We are reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding.

As we prepare, we might face moments where we don’t see how things will work out—financially, relationally, or spiritually. But God calls us to trust Him. He knows our needs even before we ask (Matthew 6:8), and He promises to provide for us as we seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

David reminds us in Psalm 56:11, "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" No matter what circumstances we face, we can trust God to protect, provide, and guide us. As we step out in faith, doing what we can to prepare, we must ultimately trust that God will take care of the rest.

Key Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Psalm 56:11: "In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Isaiah 12:2: "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

How Do We Apply This?

Now that we understand the three keys—fear of the Lord, godly wisdom, and trust in God—it’s time to ask ourselves: What do we need to do to get our houses in order? For some, this might mean stocking up on practical supplies like food, water, or essential items. For others, it could mean preparing spiritually by deepening your relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, or fasting.

No matter what specific steps God leads you to take, remember that you are preparing in faith, not in fear. Let God’s wisdom guide you in making decisions, and trust Him to provide for your every need.

Take Action:

• Reflect on what areas of your life need more preparation—both spiritually and practically.

• Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal where you need to trust Him more and how you can better prepare.

• Seek out wisdom in the Word of God, applying it to your daily decisions and plans.

Let’s heed the call to get our houses in order, trusting that as we fear the Lord, seek His wisdom, and place our trust in Him, we will be ready for whatever comes.

Closing Scripture:
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."