The Preparation - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) June 30, 2023
We don't like hearing this but it has to be said over and over again - God has to prepare us for the promises. If not, we'll get our inheritance and squander it just like the prodigal son did. We'll spend every last dime only to then need to eat from a pig's trough in order to keep from starving as was the case for the Biblical character.
However, God doesn't want that for us. He doesn't want us to squander what He gives. And so, just as He did with the Israelites when they were ushered out of Egypt, He takes us through a series of experiences to build our trust in Him. These encounters can be bitter, as was the case of the Israelites facing bitter water at Mara, or sweet, as is what happened when He led the Israelites to Elim - a beautiful place of abundant water and palm trees in the wilderness.
In each situation, how the people reacted was crucial and an indication of what they'd learned in their journey with God. At Mara, the people grumbled and complained (Exodus 15:23-24). They forgot how God had created a highway in the Red Sea not long before.
At Elim, which is where they went right after Mara, they enjoyed the land but there is no record of collective or even individual thanksgiving to God for His provision (Exodus 15:27). And so, in a time of largesse and blessing, the people forgot God.
And the events of the Israelites journey continued in a similar pattern - complaints when they couldn't see how God would bring something out of nothing as well as failure to praise and trust that He'll make a way when there is no way.
We have to choose to be different. We've got to remember our Jericho Moments - those times where God showed up and showed out on our behalf. We've got to hold on to them in the face of trials and tribulations, knowing that the same God who showed up back then will show up today and tomorrow. We've got to look at our lives as a series of encounters with His grace. Experiences - good and bad - to remember and rely upon what the Lord has taught us in each season of life.
He is building us up for His glory. He is preparing us not just for the blessings He has in store but for what comes with those blessings. If we are not well-trained in the season prior, it will be difficult to enjoy what we receive and even more difficult to remain the sort of person whom He continues to bless.
The Lord Almighty will help us in this journey of preparation. His grace will see us through whereby we don't repeat the mistakes of those Israelites of old but instead learn each lesson and put it into application for His glory, IJMN, Amen.
As you wait for fellowship, consider reading the following previous P&P messages:
Trust God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 30, 2020
Wait on God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) May 18, 2021
Patience: A Fruit of The Spirit - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 6, 2021
Faith vs Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 10, 2021
Patience - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) October 5, 2021
Hold On - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) November 16, 2021
But, can you wait? - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) June 17, 2022
Waiting on the Lord's Solution - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) April 21, 2023
Thank you lord for this message. teach me to be prepared for what you have planned for me. To trust, embrace your plan. To be grateful and use it wisely.