God Prepares Us For Things to Come

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Have you ever been in the middle of a situation and found yourself thinking I can see now why those things in the past happened—God was preparing me for this situation. Or, like me, perhaps you’ve had times when you’re going through something difficult and wonder to yourself what bigger purpose God has, what he may be preparing you for down the road.

God has been preparing us his children for what is coming—for what we will be facing—since the beginning of time. After their disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God told Eve she would now experience pain in childbirth and then declared to Adam that their food from the earth would come only through the sweat of his brow and painful toil. Later he told Noah about the coming flood. I’m sure you can think of other examples.

While on earth, Jesus also plainly told his followers about things to come, preparing the way the best he could. Before his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples, “‘. . . the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life.’” (Matthew 20:18-19)

Today God still prepares us for the future by speaking to us through his Word, the Bible. Not only is “. . . the word of God . . . living and active” (Hebrews 4:16a), but “the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8b) Also,“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Yes, the words of the Bible, written so long ago, are for us today as well.

For example, God tells us in his Word that Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). And before that comes to pass, Jesus warns that “‘false Christs and false prophets will appear . . .’” (Matthew 24:24a). He also warns that “in this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33a) Again, I imagine that many examples come to your mind as well. The Word of God is filled with teachings that prepare and equip us for living life and for facing the future.

God also prepares us for future events and challenges through our past and current experiences. Before David ever faced the giant Goliath, God had him learning to cope with and battle danger through his job as a shepherd. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but through that, God eventually promoted him to a position where he would be able to save his family and many others from a severe famine.

And how has God prepared me? A couple of examples come to mind. God prepared my family and me for the unexpected loss of my mother a year and a half ago by giving us several wonderful family celebrations that year. He also had Mom and Dad move closer to family prior to the accident so Dad had a great support system in place when he so desperately needed it. Where my work life is concerned, I feel like God prepared me to be a writer—and more specifically, a writer who refreshes spirits and nourishes souls—by giving me an appetite for the Word of God many, many years ago. Because of that, I can share encouraging words with others.

What about you? How has God prepared you for events, responsibilities, or ministries in your life? Perhaps he’s preparing you and me right now for something we can’t yet see. I’m so glad we have a Father who loves us and prepares us for things to come, aren’t you?

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

*Can you think of other ways that God prepares us? How has God prepared you? I would love to hear some of your testimonies!

*Don’t miss out on the Splurge A Little Giveaway. Deadline to enter is 6 p.m. (CST) Wednesday!

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Moyan_Brenn, Creative Commons License

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