Prepare
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Proverbs 16:1-3,9 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established… The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
Do you have something coming up in this next season? We are about to make a big move, and lately I’ve been pretty preoccupied with trying to figure out how to prepare everyone in my family for the change. When I get anxious or doubtful about the upcoming season, I notice myself trying much harder to operate out of my own ambition and expectation. This breeds even more anxiety. BUT, when I welcome the peace and presence of God in, I rest in the fact that He is in control and faithful amidst change + uncertainty. His plans for me are far greater and higher than any plans I could muster up on my own, and His love for me should remind me that His plans for me are not to hurt me. They are for my growth, not my decline! Instead of being exasperated, I can walk into this season with energy and expectation. This foundation of thought transforms the way I prepare. No longer am I focused on what I can gain. I simply want to glorify God in any situation and be used by Him. His sovereignty does not lead us to inaction, but rather our action is now fueled by the One who makes all things possible.
Today, as I begin to look ahead to this upcoming season, I am overwhelmed at how intimately and lovingly You show up for your people, God. Thank you for being faithful to walk with me in every moment, and for giving me the gift of your presence. Walking in your peace, I prepare for this coming season with expectation and anticipation of what you will do. I know you will be surprised by nothing. I know that you ultimately work all things for good. And I know that I can trust you completely, because you are a good Father. Thank you for the time to pause and remember. Thank you for the peeling away and the pouring in. I needed this time of renewal. Give me clarity and vision for this next season. Move me to action and intention. As we take time to be in this moment, let’s breathe. Inhale through your nose and fill your lungs with air, expand your ribcage and relax. Exhale up and out through pursed lips as you draw everything in towards that imaginary center column. Continue this cycle as you meditate on the words of this song.
