Have you ever sought a word or phrase as you start a new year or perhaps for a particular season of your life? Whether it be your resolution focus or for another purpose, a word or phrase can make a huge impact in your life. Sometimes even when you do not realize it.
A couple of words that I have received from the Lord in my past that still are important to me today are Steady and Balance. Balance has been such a defining word that I have often said it should be my middle name.
My most recent word, which is what this post is primarily focusing on and was unusual in hearing, was the word PREPARE. It came about this past January. I thought it was unusual because I didn’t know what it meant in comparison to words I have received in the past.
So I looked up the word and here’s what I found. Prepare: 1) to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity. 2) to work out the details of, plan in advance. 3) to put in a proper state of mind. (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
I begin to ask God the question..what am I suppose to be preparing for Lord?
Having retired after 30 yrs from the banking industry the previous year, I had already made changes in my life that took time to adjust to. It’s not easy changing what you’ve done for the past 30 yrs without there being some adjustment. So I had started getting use to my adjustments when I hear God give me the word prepare.
After seeking Him for direction, I sensed the word was for the Praise Team at my church. My wife Annette and I had been leading worship there for some time now. Praise and Worship has been a part of our lives for well over 30 years. We believe it is a very vital part of every believers lifestyle. It is important to prepare ourselves as worshipers when leading others into the throne room of God. I do not take the role lightly, as I believe God holds those in leadership to a greater accountability.
I prayerfully decided to lead some devotions with the Praise Team regarding our preparation and focus towards worship for the new year.
Little did I know or was I prepared for what would take place next. Had I known, I might have been begging God to please give me another word!
The devotions did not go well. My intentions which was for good, were misinterpreted and viewed as critical by some. Later I would discover that several earlier events along with these devotions would be a continued downward spiral for my family at our church. My wife, our two adult children, their spouses along with our two grand-kids, who were all faithful and active in church, would soon leave the place we had called home for 17 years due to false accusations and being very hurt.
A month after leaving and starting to try and meet new people at another church, the pandemic of the Coronavirus started. Looking back I am thinking, God, how could I have prepared for all of this? How would I have planned beforehand, worked out the details or put myself in a proper state of mind? Then it hit me.
God tells me that He has been preparing me for such a time as this my entire life. God says for me to look at His Word to discover the meaning of the word.
I relook at the definition of prepare and began to dig into The Word. I was reminded that God has been making me ready beforehand for a purpose for years. Those purposes are not always what we desire. Our flesh and faith is prone to not like strenuous activity, especially when it doesn’t feel good.. One of the most popular bible verses tells me… “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11. He has always been faithful to me. Even when I have failed, He never has. He will do the same again for me and for you. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. James 4:8
I then find Psalm 138:8 which references the second definition regarding to work out the details. “The Lord will work out His plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for You made me” Even during a pandemic that might change our society going forward, God is preparing me for tomorrow and the days to come by working out His plans for my life. That can be difficult when you sense no change for good is on the horizon. I remind myself that God made me and He does not abandon a child of God. God is love and His love and care for me endures forever. He loves and cares for all.
The final definition of prepare tells me “ to put in a proper state of mind”. “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6 A lot has changed since January. I and my family were hurt and left a church family behind. We also have been confined to our homes other than essential needs due to Covid-19. Having a proper state of mind has been very challenging.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to control my mind definitely is the focus in my life. Simply asking the Holy Spirit and believing He will control my mind has brought much order and peace. To maintain a proper state of mind has required me to daily prepare myself by spending quality time praying, reading and listening to praise and worship. Is every day perfect? No way! Some days I feel I am taking one step forward and two steps back. The normal mind game struggles are real. Some days are better than others. Knowing where to go to find the solution and regain my focus is the key. I can turn the course of my thoughts and actions by continually aligning my mind to that of Christ.
One of my favorite sayings is there’s always a positive in every negative if you will only look for it.
The positives which are centered in God’s Word amongst so many negatives is what strengthens my faith. My faith continues to carry me and my family through the hurt and loss. I believe God has everyone in places for seasons. This pandemic can be confusing and scary but it has been creating opportunities for us to spend more quality time with God and family. Matthew 6:33 puts in all in perspective…. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you”.
God is preparing all who call Him Lord and Savior to continue to seek Him and live righteously. I encourage anyone who may be going through some similar situations to keep your eyes focused on God. He knows what is happening. His timing is perfect. His plans are so much better than ours, even when we do not understand. We are not required to understand. Sometimes we may never know why some things happen like they do. Know that God is for you. God is preparing you for something great! I know He is doing that for me.
Lingering Thoughts For You:
- Allow yourself time to adjust to change. Change is inevitable. Time truly can heal all wounds. You need to express your feelings honestly to God. Don’t blame Him for what has happen, but ask Him to allow you to see things from His perspective. Turn you eyes upon Jesus. His ways are not our ways. His way is the best way!
- Realize things happen for a reason. The time I had to adjust to my retirement actually prepared me better to know how to process the other events that would soon come and change my entire families lives forever. It allowed me to know how to pray and help them. Perhaps God is doing a work in you now that you do not understand. Give it time. He is stretching your faith muscles to prepare you for greater opportunities in the future. Continue to follow Him daily.
- Join me in a prayer now….. Dear God, strengthen my faith as I am going through my circumstance. Prepare me for what You have in store. Give me all of the resources I will need to be victorious. I know You will because You love me that much! In Jesus name, Amen.
