God does not promote us simply because we want Him to. Promotion comes after preparation. Many want to be used by God in public, but they are not willing to do the private work that makes public ministry possible.
Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin said, “Preparation time is never wasted time.” That is a truth many have overlooked. The time you spend praying, seeking God, and studying His Word when no one sees you is what determines what He can do through you when others are watching.
I have seen many try to step out into public ministry without first laying the proper foundation in private. It does not work. There may be excitement or temporary results, but without a life of preparation and prayer, the work will not last. In time, it will fall apart.
God promotes based on faithfulness, not talent or personality. It is not your ability that brings the anointing — it is your obedience and your preparation. Many who are gifted naturally think that their gift is enough. It is not. A gift without preparation is dangerous. The anointing only rests in fullness on those who have spent time in the presence of God and in His Word.
Jesus Himself prepared before stepping into public ministry. He spent thirty years preparing for three years of public work. If Jesus needed preparation, how much more do we? The Word says He often withdrew to pray. Before choosing His disciples, He spent the night in prayer. He taught us by example that time with the Father is the source of true power.
You cannot rush preparation. Many want to skip the process and get to the platform. That is not God’s way. The process is where you learn to hear His voice, where your character is shaped, and where your spirit is strengthened to carry what He wants to give you. If you skip preparation, you will not be able to handle what He wants to do through you.
In these days, it is even more important that we take the time to prepare. God is looking for those He can trust, those who have been faithful in private. Public power is the result of private preparation. There is no shortcut. The preparation you do today will show up tomorrow in what God can do through you.
I encourage you — do not despise the time of preparation. Do not think it is wasted. God is watching. Stay faithful in prayer. Stay faithful in the Word. Stay faithful to the call He has placed on your life. When you do, the day will come when He promotes you publicly. And when that day comes, you will be ready, because you have prepared.
