Prepared For The Unexpected: The Hidden Power of Spiritual Habits

Some of the most important spiritual work happens when no one’s watching. Not on stages or in group settings, but early in the morning— in kitchens, living rooms, or during our commute to work. As someone called to write, speak, and build up other disciples in the Body of Christ, I have learned that spiritual habits are non-negotiable in our walk with the Lord.

These habits help us place our minds, temperaments, and bodies before God as we seek the grace of his transformation. They also lead us to be more intentional about living on mission, especially in the mundane, behind the scenes moments of life.

While the Bible doesn’t provide us a specific list labeled “Spiritual Habits,” these practices are intricately woven throughout Scripture. Jesus modeled them, the apostles taught them, and the early church practiced them. For example, in Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about giving, prayer, fasting, and stewardship. While other practices, such as journaling, may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, they remain powerful tools that help direct our attention to the Lord.

Over the years, I’ve come to see how consistency in these quiet places of faithfulness can prepare you for some of the most unexpected ministry moments.

“Out of Season” Discipleship

A few years ago, my husband took me to San Francisco for my birthday. He was a little surprised when I told him I would continue to wake up at 4:15 a.m. to join my prayer group. It would’ve been easy to sleep in and call it grace since I was on vacation. But I knew that time would help set the tone for my day and wouldn’t interfere with our plans, so I chose to keep prioritizing it.

On the last day of the trip, a couple in the prayer group challenged us to ask the Holy Spirit about whom we could share the gospel with that day. I instantly thought of the young barista I’d been talking with every morning. Even though I’d planned to have the conversation with her, I could not shake the feeling I needed to write it down. So, I wrote her a letter, sharing how gathering with other believers at my local church had been helpful to me during a challenging period of transition. I also added my IG handle and my phone number in case she wanted to reach out.

The coffee shop had been empty every day of my vacation, but that morning, there was standing room only. She was so busy, I only had enough time to give her the letter and say how much I’d enjoyed our conversations. Later on, I checked Instagram and saw that she had sent me a message.

She shared that my note had reiterated a conversation she’d been having with her grandmother. She’d just moved to San Francisco, and her grandmother had been encouraging her to find a local church. She shared that she had not been to church for the past six years, but she knew it was time to go back, and my letter felt like confirmation.

No Excuses

I don’t share this story to impress you. I share it to remind you how spiritual habits help us to be ready—in season and out of season. As Paul reminded Timothy: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

If I’m honest, I would have considered my vacation an “out of season” moment. But the mission of God doesn’t go on pause just because we’re out of town. Our habits—those early morning prayers and time in the Word— help us persevere when we have every excuse to take a break from the discipleship we have been called to participate in.

When Jesus said, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" in Matthew 28:19–20, he didn’t say: "Go and make disciples when,

• You’ve had enough sleep.

• Everything in your life is going well.

• You feel mature enough.

• Someone asks you about Me.

  
  

He said go and make disciples. Period.  And, his command remains true when we are having a good day and on the day we’d rather stay in bed, pulling the covers over our heads. 

So, let me ask you: What spiritual habits could help you grow in the Lord and be better prepared for whatever mission he sends your way?

Maybe you need to introduce a rhythm of prayer or fasting to bring certain areas of your life into submission to God’s Word. Maybe it’s time to grow in service, or invite someone to be an accountability partner so that you can practice confession.

Whatever it is, I’ve found that when we consistently prioritize habits that help us grow in the Lord, it is much easier to be faithful in bearing spiritual fruit —not just in the spotlight, but in the quiet, ordinary spaces where the Holy Spirit is already at work.

I hope you’ll join me in saying yes to that kind of growth.