Jordon Gilmore
Message Focus
- A pause in the Law of Christ series to reflect on God’s preparation
- Transitioning from 2025 into 2026
- Theme: God uses seasons of preparation to ready us for what’s next
Key Scripture
Philippians 1:6
- God finishes what He starts
- We are all in process until Christ returns
- Whether or not we hit our goals, God is still working
Reframing the Year
- We often measure years by:
- Goals accomplished
- Resolutions kept
- Vision boards fulfilled
- New question to ask:
- What did I face that I didn’t plan for?
- How did God prepare me through it?
- Disappointment over unmet goals can blind us to hidden preparation
Preparation Is God’s Pattern
- God prepares us not just for next year—but for:
- Future assignments
- Generational impact
- Long-term fruit
- 2025 may have been preparation for something far beyond 2026
Biblical Examples of Preparation
1. Moses — God Places the Gift First
Acts 7:23–36
Core Truth
- God already places the good stuff inside us
- Preparation is about shaping character, not creating gifts
Moses’ Preparation
- Gift present early: justice & deliverer’s heart
- Problem: lacked character, patience, confidence
- 40 years in Midian taught him:
- Spiritual counsel (Jethro)
- Responsibility (husband & father)
- Shepherding (leading people)
- God refined what was already inside him
Takeaway
- Failing to submit to preparation is one way we rob God
- Gifts require development to carry their weight
Illustration — The Yo-Yo
- Wanting the gift without learning the process leads to frustration
- God teaches steps before success
- Skipping preparation results in burnout and disappointment
2. David — Preparation Is Humbling
1 Samuel 16–18
Core Truth
- Preparation is often:
- Undignified
- Hidden
- Humbling
David’s Journey
- Anointed king → sent back to the fields
- Defeats Goliath → still not king
- Serves Saul → becomes Saul’s enemy
- 15 years of preparation before the throne
What David Learned
- Respect for God-ordained authority
- Trust in God’s protection
- Accountability
- Faithfulness without recognition
Key Insight
- God often prepares us outside the spotlight
- Social media makes waiting harder—but waiting builds depth
3. Paul — Preparation Produces Boldness
Acts 9
Core Truth
- Faithful preparation leads to confidence and boldness
Paul’s Process
- Dramatic conversion on Damascus Road
- Then three years of preparation
- Developed:
- Confidence in calling
- Boldness in message
- Wisdom to address his past
Takeaway
- You can’t step out boldly if you haven’t been prepared quietly
Final Takeaways
- God has already placed gifts inside you
- Preparation can feel slow, humbling, and unseen
- Faithful preparation produces confidence when the time comes
- Don’t resent your season—learn from it
