Education + Preparation = Manifestation

Education + Preparation = Manifestation has become one of my principles for life. Its origin is derived from several different scriptures in the bible.

Proverbs3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Luke 14:8 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Let me give you an example. Recently I had a photo shoot at a location I’d never visited. Before I go any further there a couple of things I must share with you. First, I hate driving especially on the expressway and I’m always nervous when I’m driving some place for the first time. I guess that’s more than one thing, but they are all related to driving. The second thing is that tardiness it a pet peeve of mine. I hate to be late because I don’t want to inconvenience anyone and I don’t like for others to be late. Once I had to drive to a meeting and was provided with bad directions. I gave myself an hour to get to my destination which should have taken 30 minutes. I drove around in circles becoming more and more frustrated. I stopped and asked for directions to no avail. I finally made it to my destination after driving 2 hours. The meeting was almost over but I was determined to get there and let my supervisor see my determination. By the way this was before GPS

Anyway back to my photo shoot. I asked a friend who had used the same photographer what would be the best route to reach the photography studio while avoiding the expressway.  My friend responded she was the wrong one to ask. I then mapped the directions online. I looked at the routes with and without the expressway. My goal was to arrive at my appointment at 9:00am for makeup. Traffic in Atlanta is horrible in the morning especially on the expressway. Using the expressway should have taken me about 35 minutes. Avoiding the expressway should have taken me 42 minutes. The photographer also provided directions advising the online directions did not provide the best exit.

I opted for the photographers directions but also used my GPS. By the way did I mention a down pour was predicted during the time of my drive? I left my house at 7:30 to ensure I reached my destination by 9:00. I was feeling pretty confident about my drive. It wasn’t raining traffic was heavy but I was on schedule then it happened, a detour that I was not aware of. I took what I thought was the correct exit and made the correct turn then I encountered road construction and detours. I drove around in a circle before I asked one of the guys doing the construction work how to reach the street I was looking for. I followed his directions then followed my GPS. I arrived at my destination at 8:30 just as a light rain began. Mission accomplished!

The Education associated with the task was finding the best route to my destination. The Preparation was allowing ample time taking into consideration traffic as well as the possibility of rain. The Manifestation of course was reaching my goal with time to spare. Although I did not mention it I always pray in my car before leaving my home and thank God for reaching my destination upon arrival.

 As previously stated this principle can be applied to every area of life. We should not go about anything we do in life haphazardly. Whether it’s a relationship, employment, an investment or a purchase we need to do our homework. Part of that homework can be found in the scriptures we just read. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. What does the bible say about that particular situation? Acknowledge God and allow Him to direct your path. What do you already know or what information can you find? What do you need to do to prepare yourself? Do you believe you can achieve your goal? What are you doing to reach your goal? Faith without works is dead. Have you done everything you can do? If so then stand in full belief. Don’t waver. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways and should expect nothing form the Lord.

Begin applying the principle of Education + Preparation = Manifestation in your life today and watch the results!