A Season Of Preparation
Preparation - it can either distract you or position you
Luke 10:38-42 NIV
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Preparation… It's a good thing, but it can cause distraction and make you miss the best thing.
Esther 2:1-4 NIV
Later when King Xerxes’ fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. 2 Then the king’s personal attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa.
Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women; and let beauty treatments be given to them. 4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This advice appealed to the king, and he followed it.
Just because the preparation is slow, doesn’t mean it’s not purposeful.
Esther 2:17 NIV
17 Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 4:14 NIV
“ who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this”
Preparation - ACTION or PROCESS of making ready
5 Practical steps to help you cooperate with God's preparation include:
• Embrace the "Now": Before stepping into the next season, be fully present in the current one.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
• Prioritize Daily Time with God: Intentionally carve out quiet time for prayer and Scripture.
Mark 1:35 NIV
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
• Practice Surrender and Release: Ask the Lord to reveal—and help you let go of—anything that might be weighing you down.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…
• Focus on Character Over Commission: Understand that God often uses preparation seasons to build your internal strength and faith.
John 15:2 NIV
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
• Step Out in Faith and Expectation: When God does open the next door, move forward with courage.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…
Don't miss it like Martha, distracted by everything that feels so urgent and …
Don't shrink back like you're unqualified when God has been preparing you all along just like Esther.
Talk It Over Questions
1. Do you find yourself relating more to Martha or Esther? Why/How?
2. In what ways do you continue to disqualify what the Lord has put inside of you?
3. What is something you feel the Lord has called you to step out in faith for?
4. In your season of preparation, where can you improve?
Ask Your Kids
Title: Sharing Jesus is God's Plan
1. How is sharing Jesus like dominoes?
2. What are some things you can do to grow in your relationship to better understand God's plan?
3. How can you use details from your life to share God's plan?
