Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.
Joshua 3:5
The air crackled with anticipation. On the banks of the Jordan, a nation stood poised for destiny. After forty years of wandering, the Promised Land beckoned. But before the waters would part, before their feet would touch Canaan’s soil, God issued a simple yet profound command: “Consecrate yourselves.”
Preparation. It’s the unsung hero of spiritual breakthroughs. We often focus on the spectacular – the parting seas, the falling walls, the conquered giants. Yet it’s in the quiet moments of preparation that God often does His deepest work in us.
Think of preparation as spiritual soil cultivation. Just as a farmer prepares the ground before planting, our hearts need tilling before they can fully receive God’s promises. It’s in this process that our faith takes root and grows.
When we prepare, we’re essentially telling God, “I believe You’ll do what You’ve promised.” It’s faith in action, hope with its working clothes on. By consecrating themselves, the Israelites were declaring their trust in God’s word long before they saw the first ripple on the Jordan’s surface.
But preparation does more than demonstrate faith; it aligns our hearts with God’s will. As we prepare, we become more attuned to His voice, more sensitive to His leading. It’s like tuning an instrument before a concert – we’re adjusting our lives to resonate with God’s purposes.
There’s a beautiful anticipation that builds during preparation. It’s the spiritual equivalent of children counting down to Christmas morning. As we prepare, our spiritual senses heighten, and we begin to see glimpses of God’s activity all around us.
Noted leadership expert John Maxwell often says, “The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.” The same is true in our spiritual lives. Our daily preparations, those small acts of obedience and consecration, are the building blocks of breakthrough.
Preparation also tests our commitment. It asks, “Are we willing to put in the effort to receive what God has promised?” It’s easy to desire God’s blessings; it’s another thing entirely to prepare ourselves to receive them. The Israelites had to consecrate themselves – a process that likely involved physical cleansing, fasting, and prayer. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Finally, preparation equips us to steward God’s blessings. It’s one thing to receive a promise; it’s another to manage it well. By preparing, we develop the character and skills needed to handle the responsibilities that come with God’s promises.
Remember, dear Godseeker, preparation isn’t just about getting ready for something; it’s about becoming someone. As you consecrate yourself, you’re not just preparing for a promise; you’re being shaped into the person God designed you to be. Your Jordan awaits. Prepare well, for God is about to do amazing things among you!
Godseekers, what promises are you standing on the edge of today? What “Jordan” is God calling you to cross? Remember, the miracle isn’t just in the crossing; it’s in the consecrating. It’s in those moments of preparation that God is shaping you, aligning you, and equipping you for what’s to come.
Prayer
Lord, give us hearts that embrace preparation. Help us to see the value in those quiet moments of consecration. Align our hearts with Your will as we prepare. Build in us a holy anticipation for what You’re about to do. Strengthen our commitment to You, and equip us to steward well the blessings You have in store. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- In what areas of your life is God calling you to prepare? How can you begin to consecrate yourself in those areas today?
- Think of a time when preparation made a significant difference in your spiritual life. What lessons can you apply from that experience to your current situation?
Step of Faith
This week, choose one area of your life where you sense God is about to move. Commit to a specific act of preparation each day – it could be extra time in prayer, fasting, or a particular act of obedience. As you prepare, watch for how God begins to align your heart with His purposes and build your faith for what’s to come.
