GRACE CONNECTION

“God’s Preparation“ by Dawn Barrett

Do you ever look back at your past and realize that God has been shaping you and preparing you for the life you are going to live?  My first job was at Hardee's when I was young.  I LOVED that job.  It was hard work, but I loved taking orders, making sure they were just right, and seeing the smile on the face of satisfied customers!  I loved the “independence” it gave me.  Though it wasn’t much, I loved making and spending my own money.  I loved the “regulars,” one in particular.   That is where I met my sweet Joe.  At the time, we had no idea that God was fulfilling his plan for both of us.  He looked down the journey of our lives and knew that we would need each other, that we would balance one another and that we would have a much better chance of serving him together than apart.  God knew.

I took a drama class in high school and LOVED the plays, musicals, and performances that I got to be a part of.  I didn’t know at the time, that I would be using those skills from that class in my teaching at God’s house!  I didn’t know that the Chorus class I took would instill in me a greater love for music.  Music has been a part of every day of my life for as long as I can remember, and it is such a huge part of ministry and worship.  There are no words to describe the impact of God-Given lyrics.  I’m so grateful that I grew up in a family of singers and “harmonizers!”  God knew there would be many days when I would need a song.  How sweet is that?  God knew.

I was the fastest and most accurate typist in my typing class, and what do I do every day of my life?  TYPE.  God Knew.   

Remember the story of Esther and how God prepared her “for such a time as this.” 

Esther 2;12-13

Each young woman’s turn came to go into King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned:  Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women.  Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace. 

The months and months of preparation Esther endured were for one purpose….to save her people.   I believe God prepares us for the good and the bad.  He is a master at preparing us to handle valleys and storms.  His word that we have hidden in our heart is there because one day we will need it. 

John 14: 26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. 

I hope you can look back and see times that God was preparing you – from the people he has put in your path – to the circumstances you have endured.   I pray you will look forward, and thank God in advance for the preparation for things to come!   Remember, God knows.