“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
Luke 1:80

How did David lead the flock?
“So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” Psalms 78:72
And what filled David’s heart? The word:
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms 119:11
The integrity of his heart and the skillfulness of his hand; all of that was furnished during the period of preparation.
This is why you must have God’s word inside of you and learn to abandon all of your options on the word- get to the point in your life, where your plan is the word, there’s no plan B.
There is no true preparation to walk in God’s purpose without emphasis on the word, because that is how God guides you and that is what he expects you to minister to others.

Bible Reading Plan: Jeremiah 17 and Genesis 21