Built Before You are Sent
Howdy, friend! Well I declare, look at you steppin’ up here on this ol’ front porch like a mighty cool breeze after a long, dusty walk. Mercy me, I’m just so doggone glad you’re here. Pull up a chair that wobbles just enough to remind you it’s been loved, and let’s git plum settled in real good. If you could see the way that ol’ woodpecker is peckin’ on the oak tree like he’s sho’-nuff’ tryin’ to start a revival, you’d know the Lord has a way of usin’ even the smallest critters to preach a mighty sermon. So, let’s git right to wanderin’ on into a truth that’ll stick with you longer than the smell of fried okra in a tiny kitchen.
James 3:1 tells us, “Those who teach are judged more strictly,” and friend, that’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to steady you. God never hands out assignments before He prepares the worker. Proverbs 24:27 says, “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready before building your house.” That there’s the Lord’s gentle reminder that preparation comes before the platform. Paul understood this. After his Damascus encounter, he didn’t leap into ministry like an ol’ Banty rooster that thinks sunrise depends on his crowin’. Scholars say Paul downright spent around seven years tucked away, lettin’ God plow the soil of his heart, pull the weeds, and plant truth that would later feed nations.
Luke 16:10 tells us, “Whoever can be trusted with little can be trusted with much.” And Psalm 18:32 says, “It is God who arms us with strength and keeps our way secure.” That there means your waitin’ season ain’t ever wasted. It’s God’s good workshop. It’s His holy forest clearin’ where He shapes you like a craftsman carvin’ out a real sturdy walkin’ stick that’ll hold you up even on the steepest trails.
So, don’t despise the development time. A lil’ ol’ raccoon that tries to climb before it’s ready ends up layin’ in a heap of leaves. God loves you too much to let you sprint before your legs are ready to do it. He’s buildin’ something in you that’ll stand real firm, bless others, and bring honor Him.
Lord, thank You for preparing me even when I don’t understand the process. Shape my character, strengthen my spirit, and steady my steps. Help me trust Your timing and Your training. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well friend, look at you, sittin’ here like you just found the last biscuit in the basket. As you head off this porch, you don’t need a whole toolbox of encouragement rattlin’ around. Just take the one truth that plum got settled in your heart today and let it ride shotgun with you. God’s been shaping you up like a craftsman who plum knows exactly what He’s makin’. Now go on and step into your day with the steady confidence of someone who sho’-nuff’ knows the Lord’s already cleared the path.
With joy,
Gwen
