Proverbs 22:29

Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

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“There’s a story about Miles Davis on stage with his young protégé, Herbie Hancock. Herbie was just starting out — nervous, talented, trying to keep up with the legend himself.

Midway through a live set, he hits what he later called ‘the completely wrong chord.’ The band freezes — but Miles doesn’t. He doesn’t stop. Doesn’t scowl. Doesn’t signal him off.

Miles Davis hears the mistake… takes a breath… and builds on it. He bends the note, reshapes the sound, and turns that wrong chord into improvisational gold.

🎺 That’s the moment most people miss — not because the opportunity wasn’t there, but because they weren’t ready to respond. When the moment hit, they were still trying to get ready.

👉🏽 You can’t get ready when the spotlight hits — you gotta stay ready.

📖 Proverbs 22:29 says: “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.”

That word ‘skilled’ in Hebrew is מָהִיר (mahir) — it means quick, prompt, accomplished. It’s that kind of readiness that looks effortless — but it’s anything but easy. It’s muscle memory in motion. It’s reflex. Rhythm. Repetition. It’s years of hidden practice showing up in one holy moment of performance.

🧠 Let’s break it down

Most people miss their king-sized opportunities because they mistake potential for preparation. They want the platform before they’ve mastered the process. The crown before they’ve built the character. The stage before they’ve learned the scale.

That’s why readiness is more than routine — it’s a rigor. That’s why excellence is more than excitement — it’s endurance. That’s why success isn’t a surprise — it’s the side effect of staying ready.

To be mahir means you’ve rehearsed your reflexes. You’ve trained your timing. You’ve polished your process until it’s second nature.

That’s what Paul was talking about in Philippians 3:14 when he said: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus.” Are you ‘pressing’ today? Are you staying teachable — staying a disciplined follower?

You know that’s what Jesus called us to be right? Disciples. Students of the Spirit. Always pressing, never plateauing.

And here’s what I love — Improvisation is not reacting out of panic. It’s responding out of preparation. Miles could flip that chord because he had mastered the scale. He could move with grace under pressure because he had practiced for years in private.

That’s the secret of staying ready. When the unexpected hits — your preparation kicks in. When others freeze — you flow. When the wrong note comes — you compose a new melody.

🎤 Don’t Forget This

“You don’t have to chase the king-sized opportunity — when you stay ready, the opportunity recognizes you.”

Prayer

Lord, keep me sharp, steady, and ready for divine moments.

Today’s Challenge

Pick one skill you’ve been neglecting — something that used to make you come alive — and practice it for 8 minutes today. No applause. No pressure. No pretending. Just preparation.

Because when your king-sized opportunity calls… you won’t have to get ready — you’ll already be ready.

About the Author

Fred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch

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Be Wise and Be Well...peace.

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