Summertime is upon us and everyone is getting ready to get out of town. Kids are out of school. Older kids are home from college. It’s definitely family vacation time. But you can’t just hit the road without at least a little planning. Some people plan every detail and some folks just wing it but ultimately, there’s a little preparation going on. You’ve already decided when you’re taking off work, how long you can be gone, the money situation, etc. Maybe you’ve even booked a place to stay and made reservations for a couple of dinners. No matter the situation, you’re prepared because it’s important to you and it’s important to your family and whoever else is going with you. If we take the time to plan, how much more prepared do you think Almighty God is when it comes to His plans? We can’t even imagine!

“He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” (‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ NLT). This scripture is referring to a man called John the Baptist. He has a very interesting story of birth and he had a very important ministry. God literally used him to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus! John didn’t just start baptizing people with water for no reason. It was all part of God’s plan of redemption. He had been preparing John for this most amazing moment in history his whole life. He was to introduce Jesus and the beginning of the Messiah’s ministry. In fact, those following John’s ministry were a little concerned when people began following Jesus. John wasn’t concerned at all. He knew this was his ministry. He knew everything pointed to Jesus. “So John’s disciples came to him and said, ‘Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.’ John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him..He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.’” (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭26-28, 30‬ NLT). John, humbly, got it! It’s all about Him! It’s all about Jesus! 

What’s God been preparing you for? Are all of your victories and achievements just happenstance or is God the reason behind everything spurring you on to further His kingdom? Are your trials just to show you that life’s not fair and make you miserable or are they possibly situations that God can take you through to help others? I’m of the opinion that nothing in this world is coincidence. God’s mighty plans are being executed to ready the people of this world for Jesus’ second coming. Oh yes, He is coming back! This trip, He’s coming to get what rightfully belongs to Him. He’s coming back for His bride. Don’t get so tangled up in the things of this world that you miss the train! Your life has purpose. Wherever God has you, that’s where you’re supposed to be. You’re there to do your part in preparing the way for the Groom’s arrival. 

Keep your eyes on Jesus. We’re either pulling sheep into the fold or they are pulling us more into the world. “Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ NLT) God’s instructions here are very direct. He is our Officer. We are to live a life pleasing to Him. We’re on assignment. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused on the mission! Just like with John the Baptist, we have to decrease so Jesus can increase. This is what ultimately gives your life purpose and meaning. We were created to be with Him. We are created in His image. 

In closing, if you think you’re too old, too shy, too “whatever” for God to use you, you’re sadly mistaken. If He still has you here on this earth, you are still on assignment. “Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’” (‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭21‬ NLT) He has people strategically placed in your life that only you can reach for Him. He wants to bless them but He chooses to use you to make it happen. He wants you to experience the joys of being used by Him. I’m not sure when, but rest assured, He’s coming!! Get out there and find what God has for you to help prepare the way!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.