I Corinthians 9:24 AMP, Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.

If you’re preparing for a marathon but have never run before, there are things you must do to prepare. First, buy a good pair of running shoes. Talk to some professional runners or go online and find some tutorials. Studying and preparing can save a whole lot of pain and healing in the process. If you set goals and gradually work your way into it, you’ll find that even the ‘couch potato’ can run.

On the first Saturday of every month, I’ve been given the distinct honor of leading a Singles bible study. While in the parking lot praying before we began, the Holy Spirit showed me the above scenario. Then he added this, “If you’re believing Me for something big, you build your faith up.  You keep my Words before you night and day, reading, watching, hearing, until your faith rises to the level of your vision.”

When God gave me a peak at my future, the first thing I did was laugh. I admit it! I was in church on a Sunday morning, engrossed in the message, taking notes, minding my own business when the Spirit spoke clearly that someone was going to give me an absurd amount of money. I laughed out loud. I suddenly saw Sarah, Abrahams wife, standing in the tent, eavesdropping on the conversation between her husband and the Angel of the Lord. “Oh,” I heard the Lord say, ‘don’t believe me? Didn’t I tell you I’m going to pour out a blessing you don’t have room to contain and you’d better get ready? You’d better get ready!”

Perhaps there are promises pending over your life that you know you’ve heard from the lips of the Father. Well let me tell you this, it’s time to get ready for it! If he’s promised you something, it has purpose and it won’t be for your purpose, but for His. You’d better turn the channel on what goes into your eyes and ears. You’d better start speaking what God says and not what you can see, touch, taste or feel. It’s time to spend more time preparing, seeking God’s face then ever before. If you’re not ready, someone else will get the prize. Get ready to run with the vision. Lay hold of the promises of God and don’t let go. They belong to you!

Father, well before I was born, when I was merely a spirit in your presence, you placed in me a destiny, a seed of promise. You have a specific work for me to do on this earth and I must be prepared to do it. Even if it’s a lifetime of preparation for a very short work, I want to do it well and bring glory to your Kingdom. As I train, give me wisdom and revelation in all I say and do. Redeem my mistakes. Make what was once a weakness, strength. I yield to you all that I am for all You will do. It’s in your name I pray. Amen.