“Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterward, then, build your house.”
Proverbs 24:27 (NASB)
In business, success doesn’t start with the sale, the launch, or the client meeting. It starts in the preparation. Proverbs 24:27 gives us a divine blueprint: Prepare your work first—then build. God is a God of order, and preparation is how we partner with His purposes. We often want to rush to the “house”—the visible results—but God says, “Start in the field.” That means do the research, develop the systems, understand your market, prepare your team, pray over the strategy. Build the foundation first.
Christian business leader Larry Burkett once said, “God is not nearly as interested in your success as He is in your obedience. But obedience includes preparation.” That means we don’t just prepare because it makes good business sense—we prepare because it honors God. Ken Eldred, a successful entrepreneur and Christian author, writes: “Our work is worship. If we view business as ministry, then preparation becomes an act of stewardship and worship before the Lord.”
When we prepare well, we demonstrate faithfulness with the resources, opportunities, and relationships God has entrusted to us. Preparation is how we steward tomorrow—today. Think about Jesus. Even He spent 30 years preparing for 3 years of ministry. He grew in wisdom, favor, and stature before stepping into public life. Shouldn’t we also be willing to prepare with excellence for what God’s calling us to do?
Challenge for Today:
Take 10 minutes and ask yourself: What in my business needs better preparation right now? Is it a process? A meeting? A relationship? A financial plan? Then ask God for wisdom—and take one step today to prepare more intentionally. Remember: in the kingdom of God, preparation isn’t wasted time. It’s faith in action. And when preparation meets opportunity—that’s when God shows up with power.