One of the best and most important steps that we can take in our Christian walk is coming to the place where we understand and agree with God’s viewpoint. I say this in a general sense because it is a process that must be repeated over and over as our faith grows through knowledge and experience. In other words, this understanding and agreement is not a one time occurrence but should happen many, many times throughout our lives as God reveals Himself more fully to us.
Learning to be a Christ-follower is a lifelong journey. Wisdom and revelation are given to us as we continually seek after the heart of God through prayer, Bible study, private and corporate worship and time spent with other believers. God made each of us unique. The way that we learn and grow is also unique and I believe that the Holy Spirit is constantly working and ministering to us to help us receive exactly what we need to progress in whatever stage of life we are in at the time.
In Proverbs 21:31 we find a truth that we can apply, if we are willing.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord. Proverbs 21:31 (NKJV)
Thus far we have talked about growth, development and the progress that we are hopefully making as children of God. All of this can loosely be thought of as preparation. Preparation for what? Preparation for whatever comes next in life and ultimately in eternity. Proverbs 21:31 tells me that preparation is an expectation and not an option. As a complete thought, this verse shows us that our preparation does not in and of itself grant us victory or deliverance, only God can do that. But the preparation must occur.
In every challenge that we face in life or are likely to face in the future, we can apply Proverbs 21:31. Prepare. Make sound, Bible-based plans and put in the work that is required as a faithful laborer. God uses the work of human hands to carry out His will and any careful study of the scriptures will reveal how God used ordinary people to do His work and to carry His message of salvation to the world.
God’s expectation has not changed and He is still seeking those who are willing to be used. God’s plan for every problem that faces mankind involves the work of His saints, up to and including the salvation of many souls. To use an example, it is a good thing to pray for world hunger and for starving children but real progress is made when we open up our wallets and donate food to our local food pantry and worldwide relief organizations. No problem is insurmountable to God but it is an important revelation when we discover that God intends to use us as part of the solution and to exclude ourselves from the process is to completely miss how God intends to bring about His kingdom on Earth.