Full Transcript for When Preparation Meets Opportunity

first 20 years of his life enslaved. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:52.159 Bondage was all he knew. 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:55.599 The idea of American dream wasn't even a possibility. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:59.919 And then almost overnight, everything changed. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:04.000 Freedom gave him something he'd never possessed. 00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:08.479 The opportunity to determine his own future. 00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:11.759 But his freedom alone didn't guarantee a success. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:23.120 The road ahead was filled with obstacles, poverty, discrimination, from a society that offered very few advantages to the newly free black slave. 00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:27.919 Now he could have stayed on the plantation working for the same slave owner. 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:32.080 He could have settled for survival instead of significance. 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:41.520 He could have allowed his circumstances to dictate his future or blame a system that had given him every reason to lose hope. 00:03:41.919 --> 00:03:45.039 Instead, he chose to pursue his American dream. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:48.159 So he worked splitting railroad ties. 00:03:49.120 --> 00:03:52.960 But every day he carried a vision that stretched beyond the work. 00:03:53.599 --> 00:03:56.960 He didn't see a paycheck, he saw possibility. 00:03:57.439 --> 00:04:01.439 While others might have focused on today, he was invested in tomorrow. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:12.560 He saved faithfully, dollar by dollar, until his savings became land, and the land became a home, and that home became a legacy. 00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:15.599 He wasn't just building a life for himself. 00:04:15.919 --> 00:04:19.199 He was building a future for people he would never meet. 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:26.399 Every sacrifice he made, every dollar he saved, every decision he made was an investment in generations to come. 00:04:26.879 --> 00:04:32.399 And because his preparation, I have opportunity today that he could never have imagined. 00:04:33.279 --> 00:04:37.920 His life reminds me of a truth that opportunity doesn't change lives. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:43.040 Preparation for the opportunity does. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:53.199 You know, too often we ask God for greater opportunities while we overlook the responsibility of planning and preparing for them. 00:04:53.600 --> 00:04:59.360 We pray for open doors, bigger platforms, better jobs, healthier relationships, greater influence. 00:04:59.680 --> 00:05:07.199 Yet we neglect the quiet, unseen work that positions us to receive those blessings when they arrive. 00:05:07.600 --> 00:05:10.240 Remember, opportunity is God's gift. 00:05:11.279 --> 00:05:14.560 Preparation is our responsibility. 00:05:14.800 --> 00:05:19.839 And when preparation meets opportunity, destinies are changed. 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:22.639 We'll be right back. 00:05:22.959 --> 00:05:42.240 But first, let's hear a word from our sponsor.com and place your order today. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:46.959 As a customer myself, I can say that quality customer service is their specialty. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:02.000 Have you ever heard someone say I'll cross that bridge when I get to it? 00:06:02.319 --> 00:06:09.120 That mindset sounds harmless, but it can keep you from becoming the person the opportunity is looking for. 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:11.759 This message is simple. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:14.079 Stop waiting on the breaks. 00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:18.160 Like I said before, everyone wants the opportunity. 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:22.480 Everybody wants the promotion, the bigger platform. 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:26.319 Everybody wants their business to take off. 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:31.120 Every podcaster wants to reach a million downloads. 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:34.560 Everybody wants the outcome. 00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:39.920 But very few people are willing to do the work before anyone else is watching. 00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:45.040 We love public success, but we resist private discipline. 00:06:45.279 --> 00:06:53.519 We want to be celebrated in the spotlight, but yet we overlook the countless hours of preparation that made the moment even possible. 00:06:54.639 --> 00:06:56.720 Here's what I've learned. 00:06:57.519 --> 00:07:01.680 Success is usually quiet before it becomes loud. 00:07:02.160 --> 00:07:06.399 The work nobody applauds creates opportunities that everybody notices. 00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:12.319 People look at elite athletes like Michael Jordan or Serena Williams and they say they're lucky. 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:16.879 No, they prepare and they took advantage of opportunities. 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:24.319 People look at successful entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and say they were in the right place at the right time. 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:28.399 No, they were prepared with a plan. 00:07:29.120 --> 00:07:34.560 Pastor Howard John Wesley is one of the most powerful speakers in the country. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:37.439 Most people say he's naturally gifted. 00:07:37.680 --> 00:07:44.160 But he practiced, he studied, he put in the long hours before stepping on the stage. 00:07:45.920 --> 00:07:50.000 You see, preparation builds confidence because you've done the work. 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:56.800 Preparation develops confidence because you've shaped your gifts and talents into skills. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:08:02.720 And preparation positions you to recognize and seize the opportunity when it finally comes. 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:08.480 Because when the opportunity knocks, it's not asking if you want it. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:35.840 Law number one opportunities favor the prepared. 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:43.200 The first law you have to understand opportunities don't reward potential, they reward preparation. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:49.360 The biggest mistake people make is believing that they can get ready after the opportunity shows up. 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:51.679 But it doesn't work that way.

00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:56.159 By the time your opportunity arrives, you should already be prepared. 00:08:56.639 --> 00:09:00.240 Coach Major used to tell us that you play how you practice. 00:09:00.480 --> 00:09:03.039 You can't wait till game day to get ready. 00:09:03.200 --> 00:09:04.240 Think about it. 00:09:04.879 --> 00:09:12.240 Imagine you've always dreamed about owning your business and an investor calls and says, I'm ready to invest$500,000. 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:16.159 Can you present your business plan tomorrow? 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:17.919 How would you respond? 00:09:18.000 --> 00:09:28.720 If you've never written a business plan, if you don't know your numbers, if you haven't researched your market, if you haven't developed your leadership skills, that investment opportunity won't feel exciting. 00:09:28.799 --> 00:09:30.399 It'd feel overwhelming. 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:31.360 Why? 00:09:32.399 --> 00:09:39.519 Because opportunity has a way of exposing the gap between what we want and what we're prepared for. 00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:42.240 The opportunity wasn't the problem. 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:44.720 The lack of preparation was. 00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:48.320 That's why preparation always comes first. 00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:55.120 When you've done the work, opportunity does not create panic, it creates confidence. 00:09:55.600 --> 00:09:58.399 And that's the difference preparation makes. 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:01.440 It happens long before the phone rings. 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:09.919 It happens in the early mornings, the late nights, the empty gym, the quiet offices, and the unseen moments when nobody is applauding. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:12.720 Those hidden moments are what prepare you. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:16.879 People often say, I just need one big break. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:18.879 I say it differently. 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:21.840 Your break isn't what changes your life. 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:26.559 Your preparation is what allows you to capitalize on it. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:32.639 Because when opportunity finally knocks, it doesn't stop and wait while you get ready. 00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:36.480 It moves on to the next person who's ready. 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:38.879 Law number two. 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:43.519 Opportunity usually shows up wearing work clothes. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:49.840 Another mistake that we make is assuming that opportunity always shows up looking attractive. 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:53.600 The truth is, most opportunities are disguised as hard work. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:58.480 Sometimes opportunity looks like working over time when no one else will. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:06.240 Sometimes it looks like rejection. 00:11:06.799 --> 00:11:12.240 Sometimes it looks like starting over after everything you've built falls apart. 00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:17.600 Sometimes it looks like serving faithfully without recognition. 00:11:18.399 --> 00:11:24.320 And sometimes it looks like or it feels like cleaning up a mess that you didn't create. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:26.639 And that's what most people miss it. 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:30.000 They mistake discomfort for defeat. 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:34.879 They assume that because the road is difficult, it must be the wrong road. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:40.399 James tells us that consider it all joy whenever you face trials of many kind. 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:49.759 Not because trials are enjoyable, not because suffering is easy, but because trials have a way of producing something in you that success never could. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:56.960 Pressure produces growth, challenges behavior, adversity develops endurance. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:12:04.240 The struggle you try and escape, it may be the very thing that God is using to prepare you for the opportunity that you've been praying about. 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:06.639 So don't waste your struggle. 00:12:06.960 --> 00:12:08.080 Learn from it. 00:12:08.320 --> 00:12:09.440 Grow through it. 00:12:09.600 --> 00:12:11.120 Let it shape you. 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:15.200 Because today's trial could be tomorrow's testimony. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:19.600 And today's preparation could become tomorrow's breakthrough. 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:27.600 Yes, athletic team, fundraising organization, or corporate company need of apparel, then gear up with the real deal and let drysick apparel take care of your needs. 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:35.919 Check out www.dre Issig apparel dot com and place your order today. 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:04.000 Now this this is one of the truths that we don't like to talk about. 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:07.440 But not every opportunity is meant for you. 00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:13.840 Just because a door opens doesn't mean that God wants you to walk through it. 00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:20.399 Some opportunities are nothing more than distractions dressed up as blessings. 00:13:21.360 --> 00:13:25.279 Some opportunities will pay you more, but they'll cost you your peace. 00:13:26.080 --> 00:13:32.240 You have some opportunities that will increase your influence, but they will slowly chip away at your integrity. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:37.600 And that's why you can't make every decision based on money, popularity, or what feels good. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:44.480 Before you say yes to an opportunity, ask yourself a few honest questions. 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:48.240 Does this align with my purpose? 00:13:48.720 --> 00:13:50.879 Does it honor my values? 00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:54.399 Will it allow me to serve others? 00:13:55.279 --> 00:14:00.159 Is it moving me closer to God's vision for my life or pulling me further away from it? 00:14:00.799 --> 00:14:08.720 Because let the truth be told, sometimes the most spiritual thing that we can do isn't saying yes to another opportunity. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:13.360 It's having the wisdom and the courage to say no. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:14.960 Law number four. 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:18.399

Opportunity has an expiration date. 00:14:19.759 --> 00:14:24.799 There are some opportunities that will come around again, but many never do. 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:31.360 I've seen more dreams die because of hesitation and fear than because of failure. 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:35.679 You know, too many people spend their lives waiting until they feel ready. 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:38.240 But let the truth be told. 00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:42.799 You'll probably never be completely ready for an opportunity. 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:47.360 Now, if you wait until all the fear is gone, you will spend your life waiting. 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:50.480 Faith isn't the absence of fear. 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:56.000 Faith is choosing to move even when fear is riding shotgun. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:15:00.879 When God opens a door, don't stand there analyzing it till it closes. 00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:03.120 Step through it boldly. 00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:06.080 Trust him with what you cannot see. 00:15:06.480 --> 00:15:09.360 Because opportunities don't stay open forever. 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:13.279 And leave it in the moments that God gives us to act. 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:24.720 Okay, so the question of the hour is how do we prepare to seize opportunities? 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:28.159 First, you have to know where you're going. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:31.679 Without vision, every opportunity will look good. 00:15:32.159 --> 00:15:37.679 When you don't have a clear destination, you can easily mistake movement for progress. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:49.840 A clear vision gives you the wisdom to recognize the right doors, the discipline to walk away from distractions, and the courage to stay focused on your purpose. 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:54.559 Second, never stop learning. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:59.840 Read, study, follow the Flow with Floyd podcast, invest in yourself. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:05.519 The person you become is determined by the knowledge you gain and the growth you pursue. 00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:14.799 Every book you read, every lesson you learn, and every experience you embrace help you maximize your potential and prepare you for opportunities ahead. 00:16:14.960 --> 00:16:17.759 Third, build relationships. 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:23.120 Your network isn't about using people, it's about serving people. 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:27.200 Many opportunities travel through relationships. 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:31.679 And fourth, stay flexible. 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:35.840 God rarely answers prayers exactly the way we imagine. 00:16:36.399 --> 00:16:40.240 Sometimes what look like a setback is actually set up. 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:52.480 The path of your purpose may not always look like the plan that you created, but trust that God can use every detour, every delay, every disappointment to prepare you for what's next. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:59.600 So stay open, stay faithful, and be ready to move when God gives direction. 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:02.960 And finally, trust in God's timing. 00:17:03.360 --> 00:17:04.799 Timing matters. 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.960 Preparation matters. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:09.920 Both are necessary. 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:27.759 Opportunity is a gift, but preparation is your responsibility. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:32.240 Success is preparation, meeting God's perfect timing. 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:36.079 Plan and prepare for opportunities. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:39.279 And when one comes your way, seize it. 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:42.720 Don't just pray for doors to open. 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:46.319 Be the kind of person who's ready to walk through them. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:50.640 Because your future isn't determined by the opportunities you receive. 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:54.720 It's determined by what you do with those opportunities. 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:58.960 This episode encourages you. 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:02.799 Share it with someone who's waiting on their next opportunity. 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:08.880 It might be the reminder that they need to stop waiting and start preparing. 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:17.920 And if you're trying to discover your purpose and understand your gifts, your values, your vision, I'd love to help. 00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:24.799 Email me at floormile22 at gmail.com to request your knowledge of self-workbook. 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:32.240 It is designed to give you clarity, build confidence, prepare you for opportunities that God has already placed in front of you. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:40.559 Until next time, remember, keep growing, keep believing, keep preparing. 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:46.160 Because when your opportunity comes, seize it. 00:18:46.640 --> 00:18:50.799 I'm Floyd Miley, and this has been Flow with Floyd. 00:18:51.599 --> 00:18:54.960 Ooh, yeah, flow with me tonight. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:58.240 After all the static, it's time for something true. 00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:01.519 Let the vibe connect me right here with you. 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:07.279 Gonna lift your spirit high. 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:11.599 Turn the volume up and leave your world behind. 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:14.880 Yeah, it's that flow with flood, one of a kind. 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:18.559 Yeah.