The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:
“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the LORD;
make His paths straight.’”
—Mark 1:1-3

The word “prepare” means “to make thoroughly ready.” Living in New England, with its frequent storms and power outages, means I always have plenty of the basic necessities of life on hand—just in case!

God is an expert at preparing. In fact, He’s done absolutely everything possible to prepare us to receive His gift of Eternal Life. In the Old Testament, He sent out prophets as His messengers that the people might be prepared. God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”

Jesus prepared His disciples for future ministry when He sent them out two by two on a practice run to serve, witness, and perform miracles. Before sending them out, He first taught them, equipped them, and empowered them. He also arranged for a colt and prepared a room for His arrival in Jerusalem and Passover week.

Temptation – It is inescapable. Jesus told Peter to watch and pray lest he fall into temptation (Matthew 6:41). Peter learned well because in his later letters to the believers he warns them to be vigilant and watchful because the adversary stalks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Spiritual Battles – We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. The battle is real, and we must be dressed for it with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and prayer. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Persecution – In one form or another, it will come, whether subtly, low-key and mild, or in full blast. If we truly live as Christ calls us to, we won’t be loved by everyone! There will always be opposition. Jesus said that if the world hates Him, it will hate us too. (John 15:18)

Tribulation – We are not guaranteed an easy life. In fact, it will be just the opposite. Jesus said that we will have tribulation, but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Answered Prayer – Jesus told us that if we ask, He will do it. So be prepared for answers! Even the ones that come in a way we don’t expect. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Blessings – Over and over in the Scriptures, God tells us that we will be blessed if ___. These blessings may or may not be tangible ones, but they will always be spiritual blessings. So, when you trust and obey, be prepared for His blessings. (Matthew 5:3-11)

Witness Opportunities – We are called to study and know Christ and His Word. We are to be ready at all times to give a defense and reason for the hope that is in us. Remember that, no matter what the work or what the opportunity He places before us is, Christ has already gone ahead of us to prepare the way and to prepare our hearts. (1 Peter 3:5)

Worship and Communion – We’re to prepare ourselves to come before God for worship, by confessing our sins, setting aside distractions, “mending fences,” and having an attitude of thankfulness and worship. (Psalm 100:1-2; Matthew 5:24; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Our Hearts – It is the Holy Spirit who quickens our hearts, but we are also to prepare our hearts to trust, follow, obey, and live for Christ. It’s the daily habits of the faith: prayer, study of His Word, and fellowship with one another that prepares us to live for Him every day and to be a light on the hill to those around us. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Our Home-Going – Death is our last enemy, but it is also God’s promise being fulfilled to us: He is preparing a place for us, and when it’s ready, He will come to bring us Home. We won’t be stuck in this failing, sinful body! In the meantime, how am I living my life here? (John 14:1-4)

His Return – We are to be watchful. In fact, a crown awaits those who love His appearing. We don’t know the day nor the hour, but we are to prepare ourselves for that Day—it could be today!! That means first being a believer, then living out our faith, then being watchful. (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Father, thank You for preparing and providing a way for me to enter into a right and restored relationship with You. Help me to prepare well for each one of the areas You call me to be watchful in. Remove anything that obstructs my view and hinders my walk. I love You, Lord!

In Him,
Donna Perkins

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet

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