Prepared

Prepared is an adjective that means 1) Made ready for use, and 2) ready to do or deal with something.

To start a blog with a definition seems a tad random until we put it into the context of the conversation. Today’s topic stems from a new preoccupation I have with 1 Corinthians 2. I pause between sentences and find some great truth in this chapter that excites me. Let’s look at what Paul quotes in verse 9.

But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

The original language would have this read like this:

Eye nor ear has perceived, neither has the heart of man received, the knowledge of the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

The original intent seems to be that we humans cannot visualize what God has committed to do for us or has made available and ready for us to use.

When we look at the image above, we can clearly see the beauty God has made available to us in His creation. We can also see evidence that God has given intelligence, gifts, and talents to men as we look at the boat and the surrounding creations of men intermingling with God’s far superior handiwork.

With the limitations of our imaginations, we cannot see the eternal life that this chapter refers to. For believers, eternal life starts at the new birth. (See John 5:24, John 6:47, and my personal favorite, John 17:1-3)

So what has God prepared for believers? Is it still a mystery to you as Paul said it is? The promise of His provision. Every good thing God has ever promised is ours, in Christ. In our new birth. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” Has. Done deal. Finished work.

So how do we know what He has provided? Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you! God has plans for you. God has a purpose for you. God has prepared so much for you. Let Him whisper what all that is. Ask.