The main theme is the importance of preparation in achieving success and fulfilling one's potential. The message emphasizes that people often live at the level of their preparation rather than their potential, and that preparation is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
Stephen Furtick uses the story of Elisha and King Jehoash from 2 Kings 13:14-20. In this story, Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground with arrows as a symbol of preparation for victory over Aram. Jehoash only strikes the ground three times, showing partial commitment, which leads to limited success.
Elisha gets angry because King Jehoash only strikes the ground three times with the arrows, showing compliance but not full commitment. Elisha explains that if Jehoash had struck the ground five or six times, he would have completely defeated Aram. Instead, his lack of persistence limits his victory.
The 'power of pre' refers to the importance of preparation before the actual event or battle. Furtick emphasizes that success is often determined by the groundwork done beforehand, such as premarital counseling, prenatal vitamins, or preschool education. Preparation is key to achieving potential and fulfilling purpose.
Furtick relates preparation to modern life by contrasting the desire for instant validation and posting on social media with the need for disciplined preparation. He uses examples like athletes preparing in the garage before a race and the importance of groundwork in achieving success, emphasizing that preparation is often overlooked but essential.
Furtick draws the lesson that provision follows preparation. In the story, Elisha instructs the kings to dig ditches before the rain comes, symbolizing the need to prepare for God's provision. This teaches that preparation is necessary to receive blessings and that God often requires groundwork before delivering His promises.
Furtick explains that promotion follows preparation. He emphasizes that God promotes those who are faithful in their preparation and groundwork. Using the example of Elisha, he highlights that staying committed to one's post and doing the necessary work will lead to divine promotion and fulfillment of purpose.
Furtick advises those feeling stuck to persist in their preparation, even when it doesn't seem to make sense. He encourages them to trust the process and understand that God is using their current circumstances to prepare them for future success. He emphasizes that every challenge and setback is part of the preparation for greater things.
Have you been preparing for the provision you’ve been praying for? In the Power of Pre, we’re challenged with the fact that we don’t live at the level of our potential, but at the level of our preparation.
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