How many of you are good at or actually enjoy preparing for a big project?
Do you like to see a thing through to the finish? One year, I attended
a meeting with a group of ladies from our church to plan a garden that
several of our families will be working on together. This was my first
time taking on the project of a garden, and I was amazed at all that is
involved in the preparation process! There were, of course, many things
to consider, such as total cost involved, the size and measurement of
the garden itself, where on the property to place the garden, the preparation
of the soil, what types of food to grow, how, when and where to plant
each item, when to expect to harvest them, how to keep the enemies of
a garden away, what materials were needed for the labor involved, where
to buy the supplies at the best price, the time required to maintain a
garden, how to maintain the garden, how often to water and weed it etc.
As I sat there listening, I couldn't help but realize the magnitude of
the word "preparation"! No doubt about it, preparation points to commitment!
I also couldn't help but apply a spiritual principal to the whole event....
Why all the preparation?? Because there was a legitimate concern for
quality, a desire to avoid loss or waste, and a goal set forth with the
intention to see results. As Christians, we willingly take on the project
of a garden, but what about the project of our walk with the Lord, the
Christian race?? What spiritual preparation, if any, do we put into that.....
Ephesians 6:15, "And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace."
Spiritual preparation indicates a readiness that we are prepared to see
and carry out duty. It means that we are prepared to do God's will with
a concern for the quality of our testimony, with a desire to avoid the
loss of opportunities or see waste come to the kingdom of God. It means
that there is a heart-felt concern to see souls come to Christ as the
end result of that preparation, ultimately glorifying God.
2 Chron. 27:6, "So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways
before the Lord his God."
Since becoming a Christian, what preparation have you set forth and carried
out in your walk with the Lord? Have you sat down and contemplated seeing
this thing through to the finish? Have you considered how much you want
to grow as a child of God? Have you considered the condition of the soil
of your heart? Have you considered what 'seeds' you would like to sow
in the garden of your heart? Have you considered the enemies to your
soul along the way? Have you considered where you are going to get your
weekly supply of truth by finding yourself a good Bible-believing church
to become a part of, to water your heart with? Have you considered weeding
out the sin in your life so that new life can spring forth? Have you
considered the harvest, and your part in it? Have you considered the
time and commitment it will require on your part to see all this come
about? As much as I enjoyed our meeting that year, I couldn't help but
wonder why as Christians we don't give as much diligence to sitting down
and planning to succeed spiritually with as much determination and commitment
as we will give to a garden.... Doesn't God deserve at least that much
from us??
2 Tim. 2:20-21,"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold
and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and
some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall
be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and
prepared unto every good work."
So then, how's your footing these days, Christian soldier? Are you slipping?
As with any outfit we women might choose to wear, shoes are an important
part of our wardrobe, amen? When it comes to our victory outfit, if we intend
to be properly attired we need to be sure we are wearing "gospel shoes"!
These are shoes that bring about firm footing, sure steps, and that keep
us from slipping or losing ground, shoes that protect our steps along life's
journey. Folks that wear "gospel shoes" have taken the time to prepare
themselves spiritually in regard to every step they take, for they take
the steps of purpose! That purpose being to bring peace, peace to the
hearts of those that know not the Lord. That means that you should have
already prepared your heart with the peace of God before you set out in
your Christian walk.... By the way, ARE you sharing the gospel of peace
with a lost and dying world?? If so, then the Bible says your feet are
beautiful! Yes, those toes that you thought were so ugly and kept hidden,
God considers lovely...
Romans 10:15, "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it
is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel
of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
A spiritually prepared Christian understands though, that with each step
taken, it places those of us wearing "gospel shoes" into enemy territory!
Are you prepared to meet up with your enemies, dear lady? When those
trials and persecutions come, will you still remain committed to the purpose
you set out to accomplish, or will it be an easy task for the devil to
get you to quit? What about when someone "steps on your toes"? Will
you become easily offended, or will the preparation of the peace of God
in your own heart keep you in a right relationship with those around you?
You see, those "gospel shoes" are made to protect your toes when they
get stepped on so that you can still remain walking - without limping!
Job 23:11, "My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not
declined."
Remember, as Christians, we have the peace of God, therefore we need not
fear the attacks of Satan or men. We must be at peace with God and with
one another if we are going to defeat the devil, amen? God gave us "gospel
shoes" to shod our feet with... Don't be caught barefoot as a Christian,
it isn't safe or wise! Be prepared and stay prepared - put your shoes
on and keep them on...
Proverbs 3:21-26, "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound
wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace
to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall
not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou
shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden
fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the
LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Back to Top
