Prepare

This past Sunday, Ryan spoke in Kid's Connection about preparation. He recounted the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth's encounter with the angel as they were told they would give birth to a son, John. And then Ryan explained to the kids that John the Baptist's life's purpose was to prepare the hearts of people for Jesus' ministry. A whole lifelong effort of preparation in order to usher in Jesus' short 3-year ministry. Wow.

As I examine my life, I realize the importance of preparation. Being prepared for daily divine appointments. But also being prepared for a more intricate purpose that God has planned for my future. That's really something to chew on. A familiar concept. Yet it takes on new meaning as I feel the Lord revealing pieces of that 'future plan' in my life. It will take preparation. Today. I heard a preacher once say that every minute spent on your knees in prayer, and every moment spent studying God's Word, is not done in vain. But, it's tempting to think these practices are trivial. Or not as urgent as the thousands of other tasks at hand.

I want to defy the temptation to procrastinate. I want to prepare. For whatever task He has for me. Perhaps speaking into the life of a hurting neighbor. Or wisely exhorting my growing kids. Or even greater things than that, if He so chooses. In any case, it's not about me. It wasn't about John the Baptist. Or the apostle Paul. Or anyone else that He used. It's always been about God's purposes. And His plan to rescue lost hearts. Wow. Christmas has taken on a new meaning this year. At least it has for me. ;)