Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5 (NIV)

“Are you ready?” It’s just three words but they communicate so much. First, they tell us we’re invited to take part in what’s about to happen. Second, they reveal that invitation comes with expectation – we must prepare for what’s about to happen. Third, they give us permission to evaluate where we are in light of where God is leading us.

Joshua didn’t directly ask the Israelites if they were ready; he told them how to become ready because readiness was the expectation. God had already determined what he would do and when he would do it. He expected his children to prepare themselves as a sign of trust and submission to His will. Their readiness didn’t make the miracle happen; it aligned their hearts to God who was about to act in their favor.

When we see a season of waiting is about to end and God is about to fulfill a promise, we should pause and ask ourselves, “Am I ready?” Have we set ourselves apart from the things that distract us? Have we removed the sin that weighs us down? Have we prepared our hearts and minds to follow God into the place he’s taking us? God is ready to amaze us. Let’s get ready to receive it.