How can we prepare ourselves for God's calling, inspired by Luke 1:80? The Text to Anchor Us “And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until the day of his manifestation to Israel.” (Luke 1:80) What We Notice Right Away • Growth happened before ministry. • Strength was spiritual, not merely physical. • The setting was the wilderness—quiet, hidden, away from applause. • Preparation lasted “until the day”—God’s timing, not John’s. Why God Often Uses a Wilderness Season • Solitude strips away distractions so we hear His voice more clearly (Hosea 2:14). • Testing refines faith and reveals motives (Deuteronomy 8:2). • Dependence on God deepens when earthly supports are sparse (Psalm 63:1). • Spiritual habits are forged without an audience, making them genuine (Matthew 6:6). Growing and Becoming Strong in Spirit Today 1. Feed on Scripture daily – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) – Schedule unhurried reading; meditate, memorize, and obey. 2. Cultivate private worship – Sing, journal, or simply sit silent before Him (Psalm 27:4). – Let this time be delight, not duty. 3. Embrace disciplines that train the soul – Fasting to sharpen hunger for God (Matthew 6:16-18). – Simplicity to loosen the grip of possessions (1 Timothy 6:6-8). 4. Guard the gate of influences – Limit voices that dull sensitivity to the Spirit (Philippians 4:8). – Choose fellowship that spurs growth (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Welcome obscurity as a gift – David learned faithfulness with sheep before facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37). – Paul spent years in Arabia before public ministry (Galatians 1:17-18). Waiting for “the Day of Manifestation” • Trust God’s calendar—He “has set times and seasons” (Acts 1:7). • Stay teachable; every assignment, however small, is classroom time (Luke 16:10). • Keep your heart clean—“If anyone cleanses himself…he will be a vessel for honor, useful to the Master and prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21) • Watch for doors He opens; when they swing wide, step through in faith (Revelation 3:8). Encouragement for the Journey Preparation may feel hidden, but it is never wasted. The same God who shaped John in the wilderness is shaping you. Grow, become strong, and trust Him to unveil the calling at precisely the right moment. |
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