Prepared pt. 2

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ~ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

Sitting in an empty parking lot, we reviewed our options: Brad was unable to work, had failed to elect short-term disability, and chose to reject car payment insurance. Due to our two small children and a disabled husband, I was unable to work. We had no local family support and no savings or emergency fund. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of our painful and long story. The enemy planned and primed the situation, bringing about every ounce of pain, fear, and strain.

But God was prepared.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me… ~ Psalm 23:4 NKJV

IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES

Though the devil meant to harm and destroy us, God used it for good, (see Genesis 50:20). That season was devastatingly painful, but God walked with us the whole time. At the very moment when the enemy thought he had won, God brought healing and restoration. But God didn’t stop there! In the presence of the enemy—who was already burning with anger after his loss—God brought about and wrote down a story of healing and beauty and victory.

In the presence of my enemy, God has prepared a table before me.

Whatever you are walking through—even if it’s bad, even if it’s worse—know that God is walking with you. And He’ll bring you through, so that you can sit down at the table that He has prepared for you.

©Heather Potts 2017

Prepared pt. 1

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ~ Psalm 23:5 NKJV

When something is prepared, it’s “put in proper condition or readiness,” it’s arranged or “put in order,” (dictionary.com; blueletterbibible.org).  My husband has decided to step out in faith and start his own business. Since he’s the only one working, the lack of constant, precise income can be terrifying. But God prepared us. Without funds to hire help, that makes me his “assistant/secretary/bookkeeper.” But God prepared us. As they say, “In order to make money, you have to spend money.” But God prepared us.

YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME

From 2007-2014, I worked in the advertising department of a local newspaper. Beginning in 2010, my role also included meticulous calculations of sales rep reports, commissions, and reconciliation, as well as department budgeting, and manager expense reporting. My training was all hands-on: “dig in and figure it out.”

In 2015, God allowed us to lean on Him, by removing the “safety net” of Brad’s stable job and income through back injury and job termination. After recovering, Brad worked wherever he could, including temp and consulting work, but nothing produced the same income and budgeting stability.

Last month, we recognized it was time to start Brad’s business. Our tax return covered not only the cost of the business start-up, but also living expenses for a few months until the business produced an income.

God is preparing the table—the means, the needs, the blessings, the supply—and He’s doing it for all of us, His beloved children. No matter what you’re going through today, ask God to show you how He’s prepared you to be successful in this season and what you can learn so you’ll be successful in the next.

©Heather Potts 2017