He’s In the Process of Turning Your Mess into a Message

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23: 4

The school of sorrow is where it begins. Some of us have been walking in the wilderness a very long time. When I think about this, I’m immediately taken back to when the Israelites were wandering forty years in their wilderness…

The Bible says God guided them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. His presence never faltered. He also tells us that He is the same today as He was yesterday.

“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.” Isaiah 45: 3

During this time you’ve been wandering, you must know that God has imparted His treasures of rubies and gold to you. He has given you much insight about Him and about the Kingdom. He’s been training you. He’s been getting you ready for your life’s purpose. Do you remember when the mother of James and John asked Jesus to let her sons sit on each side of Him in the Kingdom. This is what Jesus told her…

“But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” Matthew20: 22

James, John, and their mother failed to understand the suffering they must face before living in the glory of God’s Kingdom. The “cup” was the suffering and crucifixion that Christ faced. Jesus plainly spells it out – Are you willing to pay the price? For my friends who have been wandering in the desert… You’ve paid the price! I’m writing about this today because lately this message has been stirring in my heart.

Today we need to look at one more thing: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. There’s something about being taken to the end of yourself that really makes this story loudly resonate in your heart…

And the foolish said to the wise, ”Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Matthew 25: 8-10

When Jesus returns for His bride, we must be ready. Spiritual preparation cannot be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Our relationship with God must be our own. Friend, if you seem to be living in deep darkness because God is working in strange and mysterious ways, you need not be afraid. Simply go forward in faith and in love, never doubting Him. He is watching and will bring goodness and beauty from all of your pain and tears.

I’d like you to closely listen to the lyrics of this song… “I’m Gonna Be Ready” by Yolanda Adams. This is one of the first songs that came to me on my Christian walk. Boy, I had no idea the way God would “Get Me Ready!” The lyrics are after the video…

“I’m Gonna Be Ready”