By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Merriam-Webster: prepare
verb
pre·pare | \ pri-ˈper \
prepared; preparing
Definition of prepare
1a: to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity – prepare food for dinner
b: to put in a proper state of mind is prepared to listen
2: to work out the details of: plan in advance preparing a campaign strategy
3a: to put together: prepare a prescription
b: to put into written form: prepare a report
intransitive verb
: to get ready: preparing for a career
Preparation is not a strange concept. We prepare our garden soil for planting. We prepare meals for friends and family. We prepare income taxes – or we have someone else prepare them for us.
But rarely are we prepared to die, even though we know this flesh and bone suit we’re wearing isn’t bullet proof or immune to age.
Years ago my husband taught elementary school in a tiny Northern Colorado town. One of his students was a little boy with cystic fibrosis. Some mornings, the school nurse would “clap” on the boy’s chest and back to break up the fluid and ease his breathing.
Everyone knew this child probably wouldn’t see sixth grade. The boy knew it too, but his mother had prepared him, given him the sweetest attitude and a joyful heart. She had prepared her son to die.
No adults attending that boy’s funeral were prepared for the emotional impact of its “Gone Fishing” theme that he had chosen himself.
That little guy knew Jesus was waiting for him on the other side of his painful and frightening condition. He had the faith of a child – a child who had been taught that he was just passing through and Jesus loved him.
But he and his mama weren’t the only ones who had prepared for his arrival in heaven.
God has long been busy getting ready for His kids, the little ones and the older ones too.
Many biblical passages tell us about God’s preparations, but I like the following three the best.
I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined what
God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
But they were looking for a better place,
a heavenly homeland. That is why
God is not ashamed to be called their God,
for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16
God is getting ready for you. Are you getting ready for Him? If you’d like to know more about Him before you meet Him face to face, tell Him. He’s listening. He’d love to hear from you.
~
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“If I leave enough food prepared,” Livvy said, tucking her napkin under her plate, “do you think you could get by without me for a day?”
A solid protest jumped into Whit’s throat, ready to bust out of his mouth in a loud, “No!”
Her grandfather leaned back against his chair and considered Livvy’s request a moment. “And what takes a whole day in town?”
She set her cup easy in its saucer and dropped her hands to her lap. “I want to stop and see Martha Hutton.” Her face flushed a bit but she pressed on, keeping her eyes fixed on her grandfather.
“When Whit and I were in town last, Mrs. Hutton said I could stop by any time. I’d like to take her up on that. For a visit.”
Whit would go with her.
Baker smiled for the first time in several days. “I think that is a fine idea, Livvy. You need other women’s company. Stay the night. I’d rather you not drive back alone near dark, and the three of us here can hold this place together in the meantime.”
But if Whit went with her—wait, the three of us?
Her smile ravished the fire’s light and kindled anxiety in Whit’s middle. Livvy gone? For an entire day and night? ~Straight to My Heart
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This was a touching story! So many of us try not to think about death. But as a believer in Christ, there is nothing more glorious to look forward to!
This was a very wise mother. If it’s been long enough, she has already been reunited with her son.
Praise God for His Son who rose from the dead that we may have eternal life with Him!
Absolutely, Karen. She was a very wise mother. And our God is a very loving Father.
Love this post. Good to connect w/you again, Davalynn.
Thank you, Gail. Glad to see you.
Thank you for this beautiful post, Davalynn. I just lost both of my parents today. It was by no means expected but I do know they have been prepared for many, many years. It’s comforting to read the three scriptures about the place God has prepared. It’s hard that my parents are no longer here with me but I am confident that they are in a much better place.
Bambi – I’m sorry to hear about your parents, but what peace to know they are with the Lord Jesus. Blessings of comfort to you.
Thank you.