I find the hardest part of a home improvement project is the preparation of getting it ready to do the actual task. Recently my wife & I flipped our kitchen. We took out the counters, pennisula, tore up the vinyl flooring, and knocked down a wall all before we could actually get to the “project” of adding an island, granite, painting and tiling. I think the prep work took about 70% of the time to complete the entire project but it simply was not ready for the island, granite, painting, and tiling until I removed obstacles and cleaned up debris.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up.” —- Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Preparation holds a special place in God’s Word and He often spells it d-e-s-e-r-t. He seems to set us aside using dry seasons, delays, and menial tasks as venues of inspiration and exaltation – places where people met God in a powerful new way. God says to me that these way stations do not mean I am inactive;
- When Moses was in the desert 40 years, I was preparing him and a nation for deliverance.
- When my son Joseph sat alone in that prison cell, I was preparing him to handle a world-saving assignment.
- When Elisha was plowing a field, I was preparing him for ministry.
- When David was tending sheep in obscurity, I was preparing him to battle Goliath.
I can tell you from personal experience that when God takes you to the desert, there is nothing you can do to change it until He wants to change it, so do not strive against God in the desert place. It seems that God has gone away and is not listening to your prayers but I want you to know that He is still with you even if you can’t sense His presence. He will bring you out when He has accomplished taking out the counters, pennisula, and flooring in your life.
Has God given you a vision, dream, or plan which now seems side tracked, withered, and dead under the scorching desert sun? Remember deserts are for a season; you will not be there forever. He has great plans for you, plans to make you prosper and succeed. Are you willing to put in the prep time?
Reflection |
How are you viewing your preparation time?