In Ezra chapter 7, we witness a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Ezra, a scribe and priest, embarks on a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. He is on this mission to play an important role in the restoration of Jerusalem. The King granted him permission to return to Jerusalem to teach the people the laws of Moses, procure items for the temple, and appoint judges and other officers. This chapter highlights the importance of preparation. Ezra had been preparing himself for a long time to master the law, live by the law and teach it in Israel.
Ezra recognised the need for someone to teach the people these laws and prepared himself to fill that role. He equipped himself with knowledge through faith, and then the Royal support came for the restoration of Jerusalem and the rekindling of God’s covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder that opportunities will present themselves. But it had better be ready to meet you. George Washington Carver’s creativity was unparalleled. He developed over 300 products from peanuts, soybeans, and other crops, revolutionizing agriculture in the American South. But none of this would have happened if he did not prepare himself for a lifetime of positive impact.
Education played a huge role in his creative manifestations. Carver was born into slavery in 1864, but his circumstances changed and he was advised to get an education, and so he did. He went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Carver’s education gave him the knowledge and skills he needed to experiment and develop new products. Without his education, Carver would likely have remained a gardener. But his education allowed him to reach his full potential and become one of the most creative and innovative scientists of his time. What are the most important problems your generation needs to solve? Are you equipping yourself to solve them?
