Peyton Manning provided another important lesson of leadership during last night’s 41-17 drubbing of the Oakland Raiders. It is this: Be Prepared.

Towards the end of the 3rd Quarter with the Broncos up big, it appears that 2nd string QB Brock Osweiler was preparing to come into the game. Oakland was punting the ball to the Broncos and before Osweiler could retrieve his helmet Peyton ran back onto the field. Osweiler threw his hands up in the air when he saw Manning running back in. (You can watch it here.)

I’ve read some negative comments towards Manning for heading back into the game and not letting his backup get valuable experience. But my questions- Why did Osweiler not already have his helmet? Why was he still holding his communication pack? Why was he not standing beside Manning in preparation to enter? Had Osweiler been told to enter the game, stood by Manning with his helmet on ready to go, Manning likely (though I have no real way of knowing) could have said, “Go get ’em kid.” Instead, Osweiler lost playing time to a 38 year old QB with multiple neck surgeries who even in a blowout was ready to go back in the game.

Be prepared.

It’s a simple rule. It’s even the motto for The Boy Scout’s of America. If we want to make the most of an opportunity we must be prepared.

As a pastor and leader of an organization, our ability to prepare has everything to do with making the most of an opportunity or to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to change. We can’t be trying to find our helmet when it is time to get in the game. Being prepared means that we must evaluate the past and begin to discern where the future is leading so that, in the moment, we can seize whatever opportunity lies ahead of us. Even the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy saying,

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 2:4 emphasis mine)

Paul tells Timothy there is a season to preach- but we had better be prepared to preach (share the Gospel) even when it seems unlikely that we would do so. We must be prepared to seize the opportunities God gives us.

What are you preparing for? How are your preparations today going to help you seize the opportunities God gives you tomorrow? How were your preparations yesterday going to help you seize the opportunities today?