Will You Be Ready?
What if the opportunity of a lifetime came knocking tomorrow—would you be ready?
Most people assume they are. We dream of breakthroughs, open doors, and promotions. We imagine stepping into a bigger stage, a new level of influence, or a life-changing opportunity. But growth doesn’t happen automatically—it happens intentionally.
Before Joseph became Egypt’s prime minister, he dreamed of leadership. However, he wasn’t ready when he first received the dream. He had to undergo years of testing, refining, and transformation before he could handle that level of responsibility.
The same is true for us. We don’t rise just because we want to. We rise because we’ve grown into the kind of person who can handle what’s next.
I learned this in my own life when I joined Toastmasters. I didn’t join because I loved public speaking—I joined because I knew I had to grow into the kind of leader who could communicate confidently. At first, it was uncomfortable. I stumbled, doubted myself, and wanted to quit, but I kept going. When the opportunity came to speak on larger platforms, I was ready.
Growth happens before the promotion comes. If you’re waiting for life to give you something greater, start by preparing yourself.
Here are ten things you must change before stepping into a higher chapter of your life.
1. Change Your Thinking – See Yourself Differently
Joseph had to change his mindset before he could walk in his calling.
At 17, he saw himself as a favoured son. He spoke about his dreams without wisdom, and it created resentment. But by the time he stood before Pharaoh, he had grown. He spoke with strategy, clarity, and confidence.
If your thinking doesn’t change, even if new opportunities come, you won’t know how to handle them.
👉 Practical Step: Write down 3 ways you need to start thinking differently. What mindset is keeping you stuck?
2. Strengthen Your Faith – Believe That More is Possible
Joseph went through betrayal, slavery, and prison. If anyone had a reason to give up, it was him. But he never let go of the belief that his story wasn’t over.
Sometimes, before life moves forward, we must first believe that moving forward is even possible. If you can’t see yourself in a greater place, you’ll resist it when it comes.
👉 Practical Step: Start declaring what you believe God has for you. Speak it out loud daily.
3. Choose Your Circle Wisely – Surround Yourself with People Who Stretch You
Your environment shapes you. The people around you either push you forward or keep you small.
Joseph’s first circle—his brothers—tried to kill his dream. His second circle—Potiphar’s house—gave him a temporary position, not his full destiny. It wasn’t until he entered Pharaoh’s court that he stepped fully into his purpose.
👉 Practical Step: List three people who inspire you to grow. How can you spend more time learning from them?
4. Invest in Yourself – Master Your Craft Before the Opportunity Comes
Joseph didn’t wait for promotion before developing his skills. He honed his leadership ability by managing Potiphar’s house. He sharpened his gift of interpretation in prison, not a palace.
When Pharaoh called for him, he didn’t need time to prepare—he was already ready.
👉 Practical Step: What skill do you need to develop now? Take the first step today—sign up for a course, read a book, or start practising.
5. Start Thinking Strategically – Make Wiser Decisions
Joseph didn’t just tell Pharaoh what was coming—he gave a solution.
That’s what set him apart. Many people can identify problems; leaders provide answers.
If you want to handle more responsibility, you must think ahead, plan wisely, and anticipate challenges before they come.
👉 Practical Step: Write down one major decision you’re facing. What are the long-term effects of your choices?
6. Learn to Serve First – Growth Comes in Stages
Before Joseph ruled Egypt, he was a servant. He was faithful to the small things before he was entrusted with more.
If you want leadership, be faithful in the stage you’re in now. If you rush the process, you’ll miss the growth that comes with it.
👉 Practical Step: Where have you been placed to serve right now? Instead of rushing forward, focus on growing where you are.
7. Develop Emotional Strength – Handle Pressure Without Falling Apart
Joseph had every reason to be bitter. His own family sold him. He was thrown into prison for something he didn’t do. And when he finally helped someone in prison, they forgot about him.
Yet, when his brothers came to Egypt, he didn’t let his emotions control him. He responded with wisdom, not revenge.
If you can’t handle challenges now, you won’t survive the pressures of greater responsibility.
👉 Practical Step: How do you react under pressure? Identify one emotional habit you need to work on (impatience, frustration, insecurity) and start practising self-control.
8. Manage What You Have Well – Be a Good Steward
Before Pharaoh gave Joseph authority over Egypt, Joseph had already proven he could manage resources wisely.
Many individuals pray for greater financial abundance or increased responsibilities, but if you do not manage what you currently possess, more will not resolve the issue—it will merely exacerbate it.
👉 Practical Step: Track your spending for one week. Identify one unnecessary expense and cut it.
9. Stay Spiritually Connected – Don’t Lose Your Foundation
Joseph’s success wasn’t based on talent alone—it was because God was with him.
Your gift can take you far, but it’s your connection with God that sustains you. Don’t let success pull you away from the very foundation that brought you there.
👉 Practical Step: Spend intentional time daily in prayer and reflection.
10. Recognize and Walk in Favor – Step Into What’s Already Yours
Joseph didn’t force his promotion. He was ready when the door opened.
When Pharaoh called him, he stepped forward. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t say, “Let me think about it.”
When the moment comes, you must walk boldly into it.
👉 Practical Step: Where have you been hesitating in life? Take one bold step forward this week.
Personal Story: My Toastmasters Journey – Taking Purposeful Action for Growth
Years ago, I realised that if I wanted to grow as a leader, I needed to learn to communicate confidently. So, I joined Toastmasters.
The first time I stood to speak, I was nervous. My voice shook, my thoughts weren’t clear, and I wanted to quit.
But I kept showing up. And over time, something shifted. I became clearer, bolder, more articulate.
Like Joseph refining his gifts in prison, I learned that preparation happens before the promotion arrives.
If you wait until an opportunity arises to prepare, it’s already too late. You must start now.
Your Next Chapter Is Waiting—Will You Be Ready?
Change isn’t always comfortable, but it’s necessary.
Which of these ten areas do you need to work on right now? Choose one and start today.
Because when your time comes, you need to be ready.
