If you’ve ever painted a room, you know the importance of prep work. Cleaning the walls, filling the nail holes, and taping all around the room can be very time-consuming and tedious. But when you get it all done and step back to take a look, there’s a certain excitement and beauty knowing you properly prepped the space for the paint job.

John the Baptist did the prep work for the coming Messiah. Preaching in the desert and dining on locusts and wild honey was not a very glamorous job; but there had to be a certain thrill and anticipation in accomplishing the prep work for the Son of God. (Mt. 3:1-4)

Where Could You Use Some Prep Work?

Your Devotion Time

Maybe you’d like to have a set time each day to read your Bible and pray. Have you done the prep work? Have you chosen a time and place that is realistic? Do you have materials gathered to help your time be more productive? Can you create an atmosphere by choosing items such as candles or hot tea or your favorite recliner to make your time with the Lord even more special? Doing prep work for this devotional time will make you more likely to follow through, and then you gain the benefits of growing closer to God.

Singles Wanting To Date

Maybe you’d like to have a special relationship with a member of the opposite sex. Have you done the prep work? Have you determined what this relationship could look like? What do trusted advisers in your life say about your dating readiness? Have you learned how to be in a relationship with someone without expecting him/her to meet needs that only God can meet for you? Doing prep work for romantic relationships will make you into someone who is healthy to date, and will go a long way in minimizing unnecessary heartache.

Parents

Maybe you’d like to work with one of your children on a certain problem or issue they are having. Have you done the prep work? Have you considered how your child best deals with confrontation and personal growth issues? Do you have the tools in place to maximize your child’s chances of success? Can you make the most of this situation where the two of you grow even closer together through it? Doing prep work for this kind of parenting endeavor will mold you into a safe person for your child, and help you nurture your relationship with him/her.

Be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Tim. 2:21)