11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.
-- Exodus 12:11 NIV
This verse was a part of God’s instructions to the children of Israel as they prepared for the first Passover. God was about to do something miraculous in their lives, but they needed to be ready and prepared to receive it. As they were eating the Passover meal, they were to have their coats and shoes on and their staffs in their hands. In other words, they were to be completely prepared to start their journey or exodus. Normally, cloaks would be worn loose, but they were to be fastened by a girdle about the waist and they were to wear sandals on the feet, which were not commonly worn in houses.
God had promised to deliver them from their bondage and the time of that deliverance was at hand. In the New Testament, we are further instructed to discern the times and seasons
Luke 21:29-31
Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.
Many of us are believing God for the manifestation of promises – salvation of loved ones, financial increase, restoration of health, promotions, new businesses, and opportunities. But we have neglected to prepare to receive those blessings. It is easy to get into a mindset of “I’ll get ready when I see God moving”. But true faith says, “I’ll get ready because I know God is going to move.” What has God promised that you need to be preparing to receive?
Some suggestions on practical steps to take to get ready include:
1. Keep your mind clear and immediately cancel all negative thoughts. We cannot operate in faith and doubt at the same time. So, it is important to cast down all negative thinking. We renew our minds with the Word of God. Stay focused on God’s word and not opinions or appearances.
2. Listen intently with expectation. Tune your ear into God. Listen for further instructions and guidance. We don’t want to miss what His still small voice is saying!
3. Write down everything, then pray. Keep a journal handy. God never contradicts Himself. The Bible says test every spirit because the devil wants to confuse you (1 John 4:1).
4. Avoid conflict, strife, discord, and confusion (Proverbs 17:14). A life at peace is better equipped to hear from God and follow His steps to the next level. Strife and discord are tools of distraction from the enemy. Live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18).
5. Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Focus on demonstrating Christ and doing the work of producing more love, joy, peace, faith, and other fruits of the Spirit. Make your harvest beautiful through continued obedience to God’s word.
Often, we want the results, but not the process. Invest the time in preparing for the promise, so that you are postured to receive it when it comes.
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