Prepare the Way
Isaiah 40:3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for Him!”
The gospel of Mark recounts Isaiah’s prophecy of John the Baptist in Mark 1:3: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: “prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for Him!” Isaiah’s prophecy comforted discouraged hearts as the children of God looked forward to the coming Messiah. The unfolding of this prophecy occurs in Luke as well as he narrates the pregnancy of Elizabeth, advanced in years, giving birth to John the Baptist. As a cousin and forerunner of Christ, John was set apart, and anointed at birth to prepare the way of the LORD (Luke 1:76). Choosing a lifestyle unlike his peers, John lived differently than others. He made his home in the wilderness, eating locusts and wild honey. His decision to live a life fully devoted to God supported his message as he urged the people to give up their selfish way of living, seek God’s forgiveness, and draw close to God in obedience. In my faith journey this message resonates loud and clear when I read Scripture and sit with God. He calls me to boldly walk in my Christ identity with a gentle humble heart of obedience.
Years ago, when I lived in Arizona, my pastor asked me to mentor a young mother who began attending our Covenant church. As soon as I met Sara, a friendship began. We took turns going to each other’s house for coffee, did lunch with and without children, read Scripture together, and occasionally shopped for groceries together at the neighborhood store. Joining Women’s Bible Study also became a natural part of a growing spiritual rhythm. When our Covenant Women’s Bible Study ended for the summer, Sara’s neighbor asked her to join ladies from her church for a six-week Bible Study. Like a helicopter mom, I was dubious and slightly suspicious. What would my friend hear, would the content be Biblical? My anxiety was relieved when the neighbor’s invitation for her home Bible Study was extended to me. I jumped at the chance to attend, now I could ensure my friend’s newfound faith would not be confused. The grace of Jesus never fails! I am thankful for God’s patient instruction. While I believed I was present at the neighbor’s study to protect the seeds of faith sown in Sara’s heart, God was preparing the way for me to be schooled in “next level” prayer. These gracious, kind women welcomed me into their study. Soon, I discovered this group of women were seasoned prayer warriors armed with Christ’s promises and a powerful gift of intercession. As I was working with the Holy Spirit to prepare the way for my friend go deeper in her relationship with Christ, God had Sara’s neighbor prepare the way of the LORD for me. God is soooo good!!! Not only did I gain Biblical knowledge, but God also opened the door for me to experience serving at a large children’s foster center within my community – in a wilderness area of the desert. At this time in my life, I literally lived in the vast open spaces of the desert, and God, rich in mercy and grace added a spiritual mentor to me. That summer the Holy Spirit added a spiritual gift to bolster my faith walk. So many blessings were wrapped up in that one “Yes” to my pastor. “Yes,” I will mentor, “Yes” I will walk alongside someone in their faith journey. “Yes,” I will study the Word with people I’ve never met.
If you have found any encouragement in being united with Christ, then you too are called to prepare the way of the LORD. If you believe the task is momentous, beyond you, then you are joined by a great cloud of witnesses. Never forget who prepared the way of the Lord for you.
When you say “Yes” to help prepare the way for someone else, He prepares the way for you to move to “next level” faith. This has happened in my life too many times to count. Don’t wait until your schedule clears, don’t wait until you think you’re “qualified.” Jesus calls everyone to trumpet His saving grace. He will use you where you are, right now. God’s power is unlimited! Plug in! Prepare the way with what you’ve been given. He can raise up every valley and lower every mountain (Is 40:4-5). Go, my friend ~ prepare the way of the LORD!