“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.” Isaiah 64:4

To prepare is to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity. A restating of this definition would be the action or process of making something (or someone) ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. My heart has been drawn in recent weeks to a study of the idea of preparation in the Bible.

As I look at God’s instructions for growth in this area, I can see the heart of preparation, the wisdom of preparation, areas of preparation, and examples of preparation. But firstly, and beautifully, I am in awe of the Creator God’s preparation made for you and me.

1. God Prepared a Sacrifice. “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” (Gen. 22:8) At that dreadful and terrible moment that Abraham laid his own son upon the altar, and the angel of the Lord mercifully stayed his hand, Jehovah Jireh, the God that provides, had already prepared the ram in the thicket! The Bible tells us that before the foundation of the world, God the Father had already prepared a way of reconciliation. “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” (1 Pet. 1:19-20) The same God Who loved us before we ever loved Him (Rom. 5:8) prepared the cross of Christ before the first sinner ever cried out for a Savior.

2. God Prepares a Table. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies….” (Psa. 23:5) In the presence of my enemies of sin, self, and Satan, God makes preparation for me. How do I know this? Hebrews 4:15 tells me, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” The Good Shepherd has gone before me into every situation, every desperation, every temptation I will ever encounter.

He has prepared a feast for me in His Word. In 2 Samuel 9:13, we are told that Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, “did eat continually at the king’s table.” This same provision is made for me! “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able….to know the love of Christ….that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19) He nourishes my heart and mind with His Word.

He has prepared a place of safety. Because He knows the tricks and treachery of the Deceiver, He is already prepared to defend against the attacks of the Wicked One. I must just draw closer and closer to the Shepherd of my soul for preservation.

3. God Prepares Good Works for Us. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) We are purposed by God to bring Him glory by good works. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21)

4. God Prepares a Place. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

As we enter a New Year, many plans and preparations lie ahead, but we can be sure that our Father has “made ready beforehand” every needful thing. It’s wonderful to know He has a will for me to accomplish and provision for me to obey. The question that remains for me is whether I’ve prepared my heart for obedience.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)

Happy New Year!