<Before the Blessing>
Sometimes we focus so much on the blessing, we forget to embrace and make the most of the period: “Before.”
Before the relationship, the job, the baby, the business, the book…
whatever “Before … “ means for you
When Joseph was in prison (please refer to Genesis 39: 6-23 for more context) I now like to think of it as his time of rest & preparation, before he was promoted. God did not send him there to punish him. God is a god of order, and before someone is promoted - they need to first be “prepared.” I am reminded of my time in school where the ones who passed their tests with flying colors were usually the ones who embraced the importance of studying.
That’s the place I’m in right now. Embracing my preparation phase, so I can enjoy the blessings God has made just for me. I still desire to get married and have kids one day, but “today” my only focus should be continuing to develop into the person God created me to be. Being upset about not having what I desire doesn’t get me anywhere closer to receiving my greatest desires. If God’s will is for me to be married, then I will be and I can rest in that. If I can rest in that, then I know you can too :).
Worrying adds nothing to your life, so you might as well enjoy today while it’s today.
Preparation is also a good time to see where your faith lies. Is it in your efforts, or the grace and providence of God? God is a jealous God and He doesn’t want anything or anyone else to get the credit. He also doesn’t want you to get lost in, or be so enamored with, the blessing you forget all about Him when He blesses you with it.
He’s a complete, step-by-step, first things first kind of God.
“Complete your work outside, and get your fields ready for next season; after that’s done, build your house.” Proverbs 24:27
He wants your foundation to be strong, so you can withstand the trials of life. He wants you to succeed and be in good health, but your life must be an “active” one - you have to do your part too and show up in your own life.
God won’t do everything, but He will lead and guide you so you can make the most of the time you’ve been given.
My words of encouragement for you today would be to “Embrace The Before.”
Continue your stride of doing what’s necessary to become a better person.
Spend time with those you love.
When God tells you to pause and sit with Him, do it. He may be trying to tell you something.
Take up the daily habit of learning more about His word.
Before you know it, your blessing will arrive. And what’s better is - you’ll be the person you need to be to <maintain> the blessing He’s giving you. So cheers to a new year of “embracing the before,” and being everything God created you to be before the beginning of time itself. I look forward to seeing God come through for you as you stand in faith and let God lead you every step of the way, every day .
