“And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.”

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I’ve seen a lot of people “prepping” lately for the unknown days ahead. I’m impressed and terrified – and overwhelmed! Preppers are deemed crazy by some and admired by others. I’m in the admire camp. 

I’ve even been asking the Lord lately if this is what I need to do and how to do it. I definitely believe there is wisdom in it. 

But one area that needs prepping more than any others is my heart. No matter how many cans of food or bottles of water I have, nothing can prepare me for what is to come more than my relationship with Christ. 

There are some hard truths in today’s reading. First – things were hard on purpose for a purpose: 

“So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from God, that the Lord might fulfill His word…”

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord ALLOWED the people to suffer at the hand of King Rehoboam in order that HIS Word – His PLAN – His purpose would be fulfilled. He knew the people would be oppressed and He allowed it. It’s a sobering reminder that His ways are higher than mine and that no matter what I do or how I pray, His plan will be accomplished and His will done in spite of what I want. 

Second – the issues of my heart are often my own doing. Perhaps I haven’t guarded my heart. Perhaps I’ve allowed offenses to take root. Perhaps I haven’t prepared my heart to seek Him. As loving, as kind, and as good as He is, He won’t force me to follow Him. He won’t drag me behind Him. He stands – waiting – ready- for ME to respond. 

Am I prepared? Am paying attention?

If I have hope of walking in peace and provision in the days ahead, I better be. 

Father – thank You for Your mercy and truth. I don’t like the hard things. I don’t like suffering. But hard things and suffering are necessary to fertilize the soil of my stubborn and rebellious heart. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 10-12

June 24, 2022