“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way.” (Mark 1:2)

After Hurricane Helene devastated my community in western North Carolina, I joined Operation Blessing for several outreaches to serve the people in my region. Several members of our international staff in Latin America traveled thousands of miles to help with the massive relief effort in Asheville, including several who had recently endured the massive wildfires in Chile. 

I was shocked that they would come so far to help us in our time of need. As I thanked a member of our team, she told me, “Everything in my life prepared me for this moment.”

Her words stuck with me. In the initial weeks following the disaster, I had felt the same way. My husband and I had been more prepared than most. We had food, supplies, and some emergency cash on hand. But so many of our neighbors did not have enough to eat or even cash to buy a loaf of bread. They were taken by surprise. 

Even as a natural planner, I could not have been ready for this massive storm. But so much of my life experiences—mission trips, disasters like Katrina, training as a homesteader, and even my job at Operation Blessing—had already prepared me to jump in and help without hesitation. 

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and it teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Key events like this usually happen unexpectedly. Everything God has taken us through seems to culminate for one purpose at a specific time—a new job or ministry, a witnessing opportunity, or even a disaster. We don’t recognize the stages of preparation. And we often don’t see the moment coming. But when we realize what’s happening, suddenly, everything makes sense.

God calls us to be prepared. If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it (1 Peter 3:15). Time in the Word and in prayer is so important to prepare ourselves for life’s unexpected moments. However, allowing God to work in us through our circumstances is also critical. 

In our reading today, John the Baptist had one purpose in life—to get people ready for Jesus’ coming. He paved the way for the greatest moment in history! But so many did not recognize it at the time. Then Jesus spent three years training His disciples. He foretold His death and resurrection. But they didn’t understand any of this. The significance of his words was hidden from them, and they failed to grasp what he was talking about (Luke 18:34). 

Even though they physically walked with Jesus, His disciples didn’t get it. They were confused and hurt. They didn’t understand God’s ultimate plan. But even the difficulties they faced during this time were preparing them to take His message to the ends of the earth.

God had a plan for salvation from the beginning, and He has a plan for us. The trials we endure grow our faith and prepare us to minister to others. And the Holy Spirit works in and through common people just like us to pave the way for Jesus to enter their lives. 

I am so thankful that God is a planner. It comforts me to know that regardless of what happens in my life, God can use it for His purpose. Nothing happens by accident. 

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.