If there is a first time for everything, then that first time is certainly a raw time.
There would certainly be preparation for that first time, whether it is that first performance in public, that first assignment, that first competition, etc.
Preparation will be needed as the outcome of that first occasion will shape the rest that is to come.
In the 1st reading, the Israelites met their first challenge as they came out of slavery from Egypt.
The Egyptian army was chasing them to attack them and the Israelites had no preparation as to how to defend themselves, much less fight against a well-trained Egyptian army.
But in this first encounter with the enemy, the Israelites saw for themselves how the Lord fought for them and destroyed their enemy.
In fact, the Israelites were like spectators in that whole drama. They didn't even have to fight, but that was because they can't even fight against the enemy.
May we learn this lesson of faith that the Lord will fight for us against those who are against us and want to harm us.
The Lord is always on our side. May we stand always by His side, or we will not stand at all.