Bible Characters Who Prepared: Lessons We Can Learn

Preparation is key. This timeless adage rings true even in biblical times. Throughout the Bible, we find inspiring stories of people who prepared well for the plans God had for them.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Major biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul prepared in different ways for the missions and callings God gave them. Their examples show key principles of preparation we can apply in our own lives today.

In this comprehensive article, we will highlight six prominent bible characters, the preparations they made, and the powerful lessons their examples hold for anyone desiring to wholeheartedly follow God’s leading.

Noah: Preparing for the Unknown Future by Walking with God

Noah’s consistent walk with God (Genesis 6:9)

The Bible describes Noah as a righteous man who “walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9). In a time when corruption and violence had spread over the earth, Noah stood out for his virtue and close relationship with the Creator.

He lived his life seeking to follow God’s ways rather than conforming to the sinful patterns of the world around him.

Noah’s dedication to walking with God prepared him for the vital task ahead. When warned of the coming catastrophic flood, Noah took God at His word and carried out His instructions to build a gigantic ark. Noah’s courageous obedience positioned his family to survive the global deluge.

Steps of action Noah took to build the ark (Genesis 6:14-22)

God gave Noah detailed specifications for constructing a massive floating sanctuary capable of protecting his household and representatives of the animal kingdom. This was an enormous undertaking, requiring years of effort and coordination of workers and materials.

Key steps Noah took include:

• Gathering suitable wood and reeds – Expert shipbuilders estimate over 1.5 million cubic feet of timber was needed.
• Designing a sturdy vessel over 450 feet long with high sides and a roof able to withstand huge waves and raging floodwaters.
• Waterproofing the entire ark with sealant to prevent leakage and sinking.
• Creating a system of ramps, cages, and stores for managing a floating zoo of animals.

Despite never having attempted anything like this before, Noah tackled the daunting task through steadfast obedience to God’s call.

Lessons for us: Develop moral courage and take steps of faith

Like Noah, we live in an age of deep depravity where wholesome living is increasingly rare. Noah’s example inspires us to nurture a vibrant relationship with God rather than compromise with popular opinion.

As we walk closely with our Creator, He shapes our character and equips us for the unique work He has prepared (Ephesians 2:10).

When God gives us a challenging assignment, He also provides the strength to accomplish it. Like Noah, we grow our faith muscles as we rely on divine empowerment to tackle tasks far beyond our natural abilities. Our merciful Father never leaves us on our own.

He walks with us in the adventurous journey of faith, filling our sails with courage and vision for each day.

Joseph: Preparing for God’s Promises Through Integrity and Perseverance

Joseph’s integrity and excellence even when betrayed (Genesis 39)

Joseph exhibited remarkable integrity and moral character even in the midst of adversity. When Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, he refused her advances saying, “How then could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9).

Despite being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph worked with excellence Rising to the position of overseer in Potiphar’s house (Gen 39:4). Joseph sets an inspirational example of clinging to righteousness no matter the circumstances.

Joseph’s perseverance during years of imprisonment (Genesis 40-41)

After being falsely imprisoned, Joseph persevered in faithful service for years before his circumstances improved. While in prison, Joseph gained a reputation as an interpreter of dreams, correctly interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker (Gen 40).

Two full years later, when Pharaoh had a troubling dream, the cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift (Gen 41:1,9-13). Joseph was then brought before Pharaoh to provide an interpretation, demonstrating that God had been at work in Joseph’s life even during his most difficult trials.

After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph was elevated to second-in-command over Egypt, persevering through 13 years as a slave and prisoner before this promotion.

Lessons for us: Cling to God’s promises despite circumstances

Joseph’s story provides important lessons for clinging to God’s promises during times of adversity:

• Maintain integrity and moral character even when facing injustice or temptation
• Persevere in faithful service no matter how bleak circumstances appear
• Trust that God has a plan and purpose even in the midst of suffering
• Wait patiently on God’s timing for His promises to come true

Like Joseph, when we face trials, we can choose to cling to righteousness, serve excellently where we are, and trust God’s greater plan. As Joseph’s story demonstrates, God ultimately exalts those who faithfully walk in integrity and perseverance through even the darkest seasons.

Moses: Preparation Through Hearing God’s Call and Overcoming Inadequacies

Moses’ early life and fleeing from Egypt (Exodus 1-2)

Moses was born into a Hebrew family in Egypt during a time when the Pharaoh had ordered the death of all newborn Hebrew boys. To save his life, Moses’ mother placed him in a basket in the Nile River, where he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter.

She adopted him and raised him as an Egyptian prince in the royal palace (Exodus 2:1-10). However, after killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses fled to the land of Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath (Exodus 2:11-15).

There in Midian, Moses lived as a shepherd and married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16-22). This early part of Moses’ life prepared him in important ways for the calling God had for him. Though raised in Egyptian royalty, Moses identified with his Hebrew kin.

His flight to Midian removed him from the power center in Egypt so God could forge him into a more humble leader in the wilderness.

God calling Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3-4)

After 40 years in Midian, Moses had an encounter with God that changed his life. While tending sheep near Horeb, the mountain of God, Moses saw a burning bush that was not consumed. As Moses approached, God spoke to him from the bush, telling him he had seen the misery of the Hebrews in Egypt.

God was sending Moses back to Egypt to deliver the Hebrew people out of slavery (Exodus 3:1-10). Despite initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, Moses obeyed God’s call. God equipped him with a staff, the ability to perform miracles, and the assistance of his brother Aaron (Exodus 4:1-17).

This dramatic call launched Moses into God’s service, with a mission to confront Pharaoh and guide the Hebrews to freedom.

Lessons for us: Be usable even with inadequacies

Moses’ story provides important lessons:

• God prepares his servants through life experiences before calling them for service.
• Humility and time away from positions of power can forge character and dependency on God.
• God equips the people he calls, despite inadequacies. Moses was old and hesitant to speak, but God provided miracles and Aaron’s help.
• If God calls you, step out in faith, relying on him to use you despite weaknesses.

David: Preparing for Leadership Through Shepherding and Dependence on God

David’s growth as a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16-17)

As a young boy, David spent his days tending his father Jesse’s sheep in the pastures near Bethlehem. This humble beginning as a shepherd taught David important leadership lessons he would later rely on as king.

Shepherding cultivated patience, attentiveness, courage and fierce care for those under his protection (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Davd risked his life defending the flock from wild predators, foreshadowing how he would shepherd God’s people.

David’s musical gifts also emerged as he composed songs and hymns on his harp while watching the sheep. The shepherd life shaped David’s deep connection with God, as David beheld God’s majesty in creation.

As the prophet Samuel noted, while David’s brothers were focused on outer appearances, God was shaping David’s inner heart for leadership (1 Samuel 16:7).

David’s wilderness years on the run from Saul

After David killed Goliath, he won military victories for King Saul, gaining popularity. Saul soon grew jealous and tried to kill David, forcing him into wilderness exile for many years. In the wilderness David had to rely fully on God as his refuge and strength (Psalm 18, Psalm 57).

God preserved and prepared David through hardships to deepen David’s courage, wisdom and integrity.

Even when David had chances to kill Saul, he refused, showing respect for God’s anointed leader. David built a troop of outcasts and fugitives that followed him loyally (Encyclopedia of the Bible). This prepared him to later unite Israel’s tribes under his rule.

The wilderness years shaped David’s compassion and leadership under pressure.

Lessons for us: Lead out of who you are, not just position

David’s early years as a shepherd and fugitive shaped his true character and dependance on God, which he drew on the rest of his life. Leadership flows out of who we are, not just our titles. Like David, we should see every season, positive or difficult, as opportunities to grow stronger hearts and deeper trust in God.

• Cultivate courage and care for those around you daily
• Develop inner integrity, wisdom and connection with God in private
• Use hard seasons to build trust in God and compassion for people

Jesus: 30 Years of Preparation for His Earthly Ministry

Jesus’ early life and growth (Luke 2:39-52)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph took him to Nazareth where he grew up (Luke 2:39-40). The Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). Though Jesus was the Son of God, he went through normal human development and had to learn and grow just like any other child.

This shows the humanity of Jesus and how he can relate to our experience.

Jesus’ baptism and wilderness temptation (Matthew 3-4)

Before beginning his public ministry around age 30, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and underwent a period of testing in the wilderness (Matthew 3:13-4:11). His baptism marked the start of his ministry and identified him as the Messiah.

The 40 days of temptation in the wilderness prepared him for the trials he would face in his ministry. Jesus gained victory over temptation and was equipped to fulfill his purpose on earth.

Lessons for us: Spiritual preparation precedes public ministry

Jesus’ early years show us the importance of spiritual preparation and growth before engaging in ministry. Like Jesus, we need to:

• Grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word
• Develop godly character and integrity
• Learn obedience and faithfulness in small things first
• Overcome temptations and trials through God’s strength
• Cultivate intimacy with God through prayer and fasting

Ministry flows out of who we are, not just what we do. Just as Jesus prepared for 30 years, we need to take time to prepare our hearts before serving others. The preparation is just as important as the work itself.

As Charles Spurgeon said, “The anointing oil was first poured on Aaron’s head, and afterward it ran down his beard and even to the skirts of his garments. Even so must the first resting of the Spirit be upon the chosen minister of the Lord, and then shall the entire man be influenc

ed by its holy power.” Let’s follow Jesus’ example and get ready for the good works God has planned for us (Ephesians 2:10).

Paul: Preparation Through a Dramatic Conversion and Time Out

Paul’s opposition to Christianity and radical conversion (Acts 9)

Paul, originally named Saul, was an ardent persecutor of the early Christian church. As a Pharisee, he saw the claims of Jesus as blasphemous and sought to imprison and execute the followers of Jesus (Acts 8:3).

However, on the road to Damascus to continue his persecution, Paul had a miraculous encounter with the risen Christ that utterly transformed him (Acts 9:1-9). The persecutor became an apostle overnight.

Paul’s conversion was so complete and radical that it could only be explained as a divine intervention.

Paul’s dramatic turnaround shows how God can use anyone for His purposes, no matter their background. If God could transform Christianity’s greatest enemy into its greatest missionary, He can use anyone with a willing heart to serve Him.

Paul’s time in Arabia and Damascus (Galatians 1:15-18)

After his Damascus road conversion, Paul did not immediately begin his apostolic ministry. Instead, he spent time alone in the deserts of Arabia and Damascus for at least 3 years (Gal 1:15-18). This was likely a crucial period of preparation, prayer, and communion with God, away from distractions.

Paul’s desert retreat teaches us the importance of waiting on God, spending time in His presence, before launching into ministry. Rather than rushing ahead in our own strength, we should follow Paul’s example of drawing close to God, allowing Him to equip us for the task ahead.

Lessons for us: God can use anyone with a willing heart

The stories of Paul’s conversion and spiritual retreat hold vital lessons for us today:

• God can radically transform anyone: No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace if they open their heart to Him.
• Transformation requires time alone with God: Like Paul, we need to continually draw near to God, away from the noise and busyness of life.
• Ministry should flow out of intimacy with God: Our service must be rooted in a deep spiritual foundation, not mere human effort.
• God equips those He calls: If God is sending us into a task, we can trust Him to prepare and strengthen us for it as we rely on Him.

Conclusion

In examining the preparation journeys of these six biblical figures, key principles emerge that we can apply today:

1. Nurture a deep walk with God like Noah did

2. Cling to God’s promises despite circumstances like Joseph

3. Make yourself available for God’s use like Moses

4. Lead out of who you are like David

5. Ensure proper spiritual preparation like Jesus

6. Offer yourself willingly no matter your past like Paul

While preparation takes time and intentionality, we see through these biblical examples that the investment is well worth it for all God has in store. May the stories of Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, Jesus and Paul inspire us to new levels of preparation and availability for our own callings!