Reed's Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays™: Chosen Before You’re Ready

1. The Divine Tension of Being Called Too Soon

There is a divine tension that every believer must come to terms with sooner or later: the call of God often arrives before you feel ready to answer it. It is not delivered on the tail end of a degree, a promotion, or some perfected version of yourself. It comes in the middle of your doubts, your questions, your hidden insecurities, and in Kevin and Juanita's case, their teenage years.

In the chapter "Second Encounter" from Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™, we are dropped into the trenches of their development. They’ve been in training for three weeks under Wiseman J, a guide full of tough love, divine wisdom, and a vision far beyond the present. The Village of Memphis is no ordinary place—it is a sacred forge where potential is crushed, kneaded, refined, and reformed into destiny.

The contrast between Juanita flipping across the gym floor and Kevin sipping lemonade on the sidelines is humorous—but telling. It reflects our own spiritual journeys: some of us leap right into the training; others hesitate, observe, or deflect.

Excerpt:“Is your stomach the only muscle you’re going to work out today?” Juanita asked. “And I hope you didn’t drink up all the lemonade.”

The lesson? Even reluctant hearts are still called. And sometimes your breakthrough is hidden in your obedience to start moving.

2. Profiles in Reluctant Obedience

Kevin’s story is deeply human. Struggling with insecurity, father wounds, and the overwhelming weight of responsibility, he isn’t sure he belongs in this mission. Yet, that’s precisely why he does. God specializes in using the wounded to heal others. Juanita, too, is an archetype for the overlooked prophetic voice—the one who senses what others ignore.

As their training intensifies, we get a front-row seat to their friction, their growth, and their shifting identities. Wiseman J does not let them slack. He reminds them again and again: “This is not a game. This is war.” In many ways, he is a symbol of the Holy Spirit—disciplining, shaping, pressing in when we try to withdraw.

Inspirational Quote:"The people God uses the most are often the ones who feel the least prepared."

3. Examining the Word: CHOSEN

To be chosen doesn’t mean you’re celebrated. It often means you’re sent into the fire first. We see this throughout Scripture:

Biblical Parallels:

• Joseph was given dreams, then thrown into a pit.

  
  

• Elijah performed miracles, then hid in fear.

  
  

• Jesus Himself was baptized and then driven into the wilderness.

Scripture:

• "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last." — John 15:16

Kevin and Juanita didn’t volunteer. They were chosen. Because God doesn’t wait on willingness—He works through surrender.

4. Theological Depth: Preparation Seasons

Preparation is not punishment. It’s protection.

• David spent years in caves before the crown.

  
  

• Paul spent time in Arabia after his conversion before stepping into public ministry.

  
  

• Jesus spent 30 years in obscurity for 3 years of public work.

Don’t despise your hidden years. They are sacred.

Kevin’s early resistance—like ours—wasn't rebellion. It was fear. But his journey shows us that growth often begins the moment we stop resisting and start responding.

Excerpt:“Kevin, you have to stop questioning whether you belong here,” Wiseman J said. “You do. Now act like it.”

5. You Are Not Dismissed by Your Doubts

Kevin asks, “How do I know if I’m ready?” That’s a question we all ask. But God never demanded readiness. He just required obedience. Juanita’s gentle strength and Kevin’s eventual humility reveal the power of endurance through divine process.

Supporting Scripture:

• "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." — Jeremiah 1:5

  
  

• "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9

  
  

• “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24

6. Obedience Over Readiness

Every drill, every correction, every mistake—each moment in the gym was shaping them. This wasn’t about fitness. It was about fortitude. And sometimes, saying yes to God means saying no to fear.

Declaration:Today, I silence the voice of inadequacy. I walk forward in faith. I was chosen for this moment—not because I’m ready, but because God is ready in me.

7. God Trains in Hidden Places

The Village of Memphis was sacred. Hidden. Off-grid. But this is exactly where transformation happened. Your own village might be your grief. Your workplace. Your marriage. Your wilderness season. But if God is with you, it’s holy ground.

Scripture Connection:

• “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

Quote to Remember:“Don’t wait for the spotlight to take your training seriously.”

8. Reflection Questions

• What has God asked me to step into that I’ve been avoiding?

  
  

• What have I disqualified myself from that God already chose me for?

  
  

• Am I letting my feelings of unreadiness keep me from obedience?

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• Who around me might need to hear that they, too, have been chosen?

  
  

• In what hidden place is God currently training me?

9. Call to Action

This week, don’t delay your obedience. Step out. Speak up. Move forward. Encourage someone else who is doubting their value. Journal your own “Second Encounter” and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your current battle is preparing you for future victory.

Share this devotional with someone who needs the reminder: You don’t have to be ready. You just have to say yes.

Want more from this powerful story? You can purchase autographed copies of Book I and Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ directly at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com

10. Final Word

So yes, you were chosen before you were ready. But readiness was never the requirement. Obedience was.

Say yes. Again. And again. Until your yes becomes muscle. Until your yes becomes instinct. Until your yes becomes your identity.

You are not the exception. You are the example.

Let the Village of Memphis be your reminder: God trains who He chooses. He chooses who He loves. And He loves you.

You’ve already been chosen.

11. Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for choosing us even when we feel unready. Thank You for seeing purpose in our pain and power in our weakness. Teach us to trust You in our hidden seasons. Give us courage to say yes before we feel qualified. Help us embrace our Village of Memphis, knowing You are shaping us for something greater. We surrender our doubt, we silence the fear, and we pick up the mantle You have laid before us. Use us. Train us. Send us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.