[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Preparation for your assignment (1)

READ: JEREMIAH 1:4-5 

MEDITATION VERSE  

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it  will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not  tarry” (Habakkuk 2:3). 

Your God ordained assignment will require seasons of preparation and training.  The greater the dream, the longer and more strenuous the training. The fact that  God has revealed your purpose to you is no guarantee that He will immediately  unleash you to begin to live it out. There may be a gap period between when He  reveals your assignment to you and when He gives you the go ahead. The gap  period is a time of preparation. Biblical characters like David, Joseph, Paul and  even our Lord Jesus Christ did not start their ministries immediately. There was  a gap between David’s call and his first work experience in the court.  

Joseph moved from his dream to the pit, from the pit to Potiphar’s house, from  Potiphar’s house to prison, before he was exalted to the palace. “They bruised  his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to  fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character” (Psalm 105:18-19, NLT). 

Saul had a 3- year gap before he began his ministry as Paul, the Apostle. Between  ages 12 and 30, Jesus immersed himself in scripture, worked with his father,  Joseph on his trade and looked after his mother, before He began His ministry. Similarly, you may undergo a period of preparation where God will work on your  character, competence, and circumstances.  

PREPARATION OF CHARACTER 

God loves you too much to release you without first letting you deal with your  character. Certain character flaws need to be dealt with and weaknesses need  to be strengthened. Character is often shaped by trials and suffering. In every  trial we face in life, God is teaching us something. The things that happen to us  are not meant to defeat us. They are a set up for our stepping up. Our past  prepares us for our future. James 1:2-4 cautions “my brethren, count it all joy  when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces  patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and  complete, lacking nothing”. In preparing your character, He may allow you to  pass through some not so pleasant experiences, so that you can develop the  fruit of the Spirit, build your faith and learn to depend solely on Him.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

or call +2348155525555

For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org.