Prepare The Way

Prepare The Way

Reading: John 1:1-14 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:6-9 NLT) John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!’ ” (John 1:23 NLT) John The Baptist spoke of himself as The Preparer of The Way. He was clear on his task, on its scope and on its limits. When God begins something new in our lives, he doesn’t just suddenly think of it and then drop it on us like a bomb. It’s something that God saw coming from the beginning and he prepares us for it. Sometimes he prepares us for it by telling us in advance that it’s coming. Sometimes he directs our steps through experiences that prepare us, stretch us, strengthen us, challenge us so that we’ll be ready to respond and not merely react.
• Some new things begin with a change of heart – the decisions that lead to change are made by us.
• Some new things begin with a change of circumstance – the decisions that lead to change are made for us.
• Some new things begin with a change of season – the clock, the calendar, the seasons of life lead us into change and transition. Sometimes the change just happens! We don’t get to decide if we want it, or if we like it. We don’t get to perform all the steps of preparation we would have done if we’d known. We simply have to choose between reacting and responding.

Today, I invite you to take time to evaluate your life and season. Determine to respond, not react! For additional insights on preparing for “New Things” click here: When God’s Grace Lifts. For thoughts about the transition to “New Things”, click here: The Transition Zone. For help with preparation practices, click here: Mini-Retreats. Prayer: Father, Thanks for being our guide through all the changes, all the “New Things”, all the seasons of our lives. Please prepare us, provide for us, and protect us as we go. May we travel well and wisely. In Jesus Name!

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