Preparation of the Heart

  

"Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.  Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.  The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.  And all mankind will see God's salvation."    Luke 3:4-6

Just as John the Baptist prepared the world for the coming of Christ, so we too are called to prepare our own hearts for the Lord.

Sometimes God seems to be using dynamite to flatten some mountainous obstacles in our faith walk. When a construction crew is preparing to set off an explosion of dynamite to create a hole in a mine, or to blast through the mountains to pave a road, they do not huddle around the prepared dynamite or try to "help" by using their hands to help dig the hole.  No. that's stupid. They get back, way back, sound a very loud siren several times, yell something like "Fire in the hole!!"  and then BOOM!! The explosion occurs.  Sometimes God works like that, allowing huge explosions to "make low" those hills.

Other times this process involves filling in some deep valleys, deep gaps of unbelief in our lives.  He might rev up his steamrollers to flatten us when our pride is getting in the way of our humble service to him.  Other times he speaks to us in quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit, or the gentle nudge of a friend's encouragement.  Whatever method he is using in our lives, it is best to stand back and let him have his way.  The master builder knows what he is doing.  He will smooth out and refine those rough areas within us, and he will move aside the garbage and debris to clear his path.

Lord, prepare my heart for your service.  Blast away those monstrous obstacles in my path.  Purify and cleanse my thoughts, attitudes, and motives.  Direct me, whether it be the direct route or the long, scenic route, whichever it takes to prepare me for that unique calling you have on my life.