God's Ready, Set, Go! Part 3 - Go!

In parts one and two of this Ready, Set, Go! Series I shared how the twins preparing to race their trucks down the hallway compared to our preparing to do what God has called us to do.

I shared that the “get set” part of the process can be excruciating for someone like me who tends to have some false starts along the way. However, it is worth the effort if we will just stick it out and allow God to work us toward His perfect plan. Once we’re ready and set, God expects us to Go!

That means we’ve confirmed whether or not our original revelation is still applicable. We’ve determined if our original understanding of God’s call was accurate or not and made any changes and adjustments needed to stay in line with His call on our lives.

After completing training and/or spending time learning about various ministries and ministry areas, we can determine if we have enough experience and knowledge to actually do the work to which we are called. If God is telling us to “Go!” we can be pretty certain He believes we are ready! Now we need to seek out opportunities to fulfill our call.

Once we’ve made our decision, we want to let our trusted friends and advisors know about it. Ask them to pray for us as we take this giant leap of faith. Most important: Continue to lean on God. Step out in faith! God will sustain us and uplift us in our obedience.

God puts a call on each of our lives, whether it is something huge, like becoming President of the United States, or something smaller like rearing Godly children, teaching, nursing, writing a novel, being an employee with integrity, offering encouragement and hope to others or a host of other tangible and less tangible ways to live out God’s desire and vision for your life.

After spending time and prayer getting ready, we need to revisit our original assumptions and ideas and interpretations. Then we need to refine and focus our understanding and prepare in earnest to respond to God’s call. Finally, we wait at the start line for the “Go!” from God.

Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. (Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

God's Ready, Set, Go! Part 2 - Set

Click to read Part 1 of God's Ready, Set, Go!

As a quick review, I compared the process the twins run through as they prepare to race their trucks down the hall with how we prepare to do what God has called us to do. After we have completed the "Ready" steps, we need to get "set."

1) Once we have determined what it is God desires us to do we need to refine our determination. Does the original revelation still make sense? Have we been accurate in our understanding?

2) After we have received training or spent time learning about a particular ministry or ministry area, we need to determine if we have received enough training or had enough experience to do the work we believe God is calling us to. Is this the way we are carry out the work? Is this the vehicle or should we create or start our own group, team or mission opportunity?

3) Evaluate the advice and feedback you have received from others in light of what you have discovered through answering the questions posed in (1) and (2) above. Does their advice still apply? If not, is it because God has revealed a new/better path than your original plan? Do you need to revisit your new understanding of God's plan for you with those you trust?

4) Continue to call out to God that you are ready to do His will. Confirm to Him that you are willing to wait on His timing and His plan. Ask God to reveal His plan with greater clarity and understanding while you wait and prepare to "Go!"

I shared in my fist post, "The twins will, indeed wait for me. They will not move an inch until I tell them to go. Oh that I would have that kind of self-discipline and endurance in the race of life!"

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)

[ God Disciplines His Sons ] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)