In my very first blog I shared with you the writings of Jan Schmidt, a sister-in-Christ from my home congregation. She is a gifted writer, and I share some of her thoughts with you today integrated with my own.
Prepare. This word has been on my mind and heart a lot as the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) has been preparing for this week’s Interdepartmental Meeting in St. Louis. All LWML national committee members come together to plan for this biennium (please keep us in prayer). Much time has been spent preparing, many prayers have ascended seeking our Lord’s guidance, and I would say thousands of emails have been sent back and forth. We want to be prepared.
Much of our time, yours and mine, is spent in preparation. We prepare meals every day. We prepare our bodies for the day, showering and dressing for the weather. We prepare for company and vacations. We prepare for going to bed. We prepare for retirement. We may even prepare to die.
Preparation is important for a better future. The probability of things going smoothly are greatly increased by good preparation. Does God want us to prepare for future events? Yes, I believe He does. Let’s look at the very beginning: Only six chapters into the book of Genesis, the earth is filling with people. Already things are not going well. … all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth (Genesis 6:12b). God could have just destroyed the whole earth, but that was not God’s plan. Our God’s heart is that of a Redeemer. He prepared a way for Noah and his family to survive the cleansing flood. Not only did God save Noah, but God designed the ark for the salvation of animals, birds, and every creeping thing of the ground. It was a good plan. But it involved a lot of preparation and trust on the part of Noah.
The LWML BOD is prepared to guide the various committees through the planning process so that they will feel prepared to step out in faith, trusting that God will lead them to develop programs and resources that can be used to share Jesus with our families, community, and the world.
As you engage in various preparations today, take some time to thank God for His work of preparation in your life. As you look back, can you see how He has prepared you for certain experiences? You and I are almost certainly unaware of how He is today preparing us for what tomorrow will bring. But we can be sure He is doing just that. We may not have to build an ark, but we are engaged in the work of preparing hearts to be ready for Jesus’ coming again. And that is good work in which to be engaged. Prepare. He is coming!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,
Debbie
