Purposeful Preparation

“I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe” John 14:29

As a kid my family loved to hike. I enjoyed our trips to the mountains, but as a preteen, my definition of a “fun” hike was often shorter than my dad’s. This inevitably led to disagreements. On one trip, I remember being told our hike would be roughly 5 miles. However, in the middle, my dad told us we were adding on a bit, bringing it to a total of 10 miles. My 13 year old self did not handle the news well. Because I was not prepared for the increased time and effort, my reaction reflected my frustration.

My dad and I learned that trips went best when I was prepared in advance. I reacted better when I knew a hike would be difficult, because I could mentally prepare myself. Preparation strengthened me for the journey ahead. In a similar way, Jesus spent time with his disciples preparing them. John 13-17 records Jesus’ last words with his disciples, right before his death. These chapters are rich with teachings and Jesus reveals that he said it all to prepare his friends and us.

John 14:29 says “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe”. Jesus described the events that were coming in order to prepare and strengthen his disciples. By predicting his death, he revealed that it was not a surprise. The betrayal, arrest and crucifixion were not a shock because Jesus was ultimately in control. He told these things to his friends to lovingly prepare them for what they would experience, to reassure them that it wasn’t outside of God’s hand, and to embolden their faith in him. In these chapters, Jesus revealed a lot, but he didn’t share everything (John 16:12). He knew the heart of his disciples and in compassion, he shared only what they could handle. He gave them enough to prepare them but still required their trust in who he was.

God does the same for us. He has given us what we need to be prepared for what we face. God gave us his Word to reveal that he had a plan for redemption from the beginning, and he has a plan for our lives. He knows what we will face before we do and has prepared us to walk through it. That doesn’t mean God has revealed all the answers or told us everything. But it means he has given us what we need to trust in him. Jesus gave himself and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, so that we would not walk alone. We can face the future because God is with us and he has prepared us.

As you think about your life, how has God prepared you for the season you are in? In what areas is God calling you to trust the promises of his Word? How have you experienced God walking with you in the past and present?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the way Jesus lovingly prepared his friends for his death. Let us also find strength and comfort in his words. May they speak to our hearts and remind us that you are ultimately in control and walk with us through whatever we face. We pray this in your son’s name, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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