A Call to Preparation

A Call to Preparation
By Don Vess

Scripture Focus:

Gospel of John 14:1–3 (NLT)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me… I am going to prepare a place for you.”

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Devotional

The Holy Spirit continues to whisper one word: Preparation.

Why this word?

Because many are comforted — but not prepared.
Encouraged — but not transformed.
Affiliated — but not aligned.

When Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you,” He was not speaking of celestial construction projects. He was declaring the preparation of redemption. Through His body on the cross, He prepared the Way so we could enter the Place.

He did not simply prepare heaven for us.
He prepared us for heaven.

Yet Scripture repeatedly shows that preparation is not passive. It is intentional.

Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20 commands us to make disciples — teaching them to obey everything Christ commanded. That is not activity; that is preparation. We are preparing hearts to meet God.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Book of Amos delivered a sobering warning:
“Prepare to meet your God.”

God had sent warnings — famine, drought, hardship — yet the people would not return to Him. Judgment followed ignored mercy.

The question is not whether God has done His part. He has.

Second Epistle to the Corinthians 5:21 declares the Great Exchange — Christ became sin so we could become righteous.
Epistle to the Hebrews 10 reveals that the old sacrifices could never cleanse the heart, but God prepared a body — the final and sufficient offering.

Everything necessary for our salvation has been prepared.

But are we preparing ourselves?

First Epistle of John 3:3 says, “All who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure.”
Hope produces holiness.
Expectation produces purification.

Preparation is personal.

It means:
•Turning from sin
•Aligning our thinking with God’s Word
•Removing bitterness and unforgiveness
•Walking in love toward one another
•Refusing divided loyalty with the world

Epistle of James 4:8 reminds us: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

God is preparing His Bride.
But the Bride must prepare herself.

The testing seasons you’ve endured may not be punishment — they may be preparation. Just as Joseph was tested before promotion (Psalm 105), the Lord develops character before destiny.

So the real question is not:
“When is Jesus coming?”

The question is:
“Am I ready to meet Him?”

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Application

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart today.
1.Is there any ongoing sin I have justified instead of surrendered?
2.Is there bitterness or unforgiveness I need to release?
3.Have I become too comfortable with the world?
4.Am I actively growing, or merely attending?

Preparation begins with humility.

Take time today to:
•Repent where necessary
•Forgive someone who has wronged you
•Recommit to daily time in the Word
•Ask God what He is preparing you for

Do not delay obedience. Preparation delayed becomes opportunity lost.

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Prayer

Father,
Thank You for preparing the Way through Jesus. Thank You that You have done everything necessary for my salvation. Search my heart today and reveal anything that is not aligned with You. Remove pride, bitterness, and compromise from my life. Teach me to walk in holiness, love, and obedience. Prepare me to fulfill my calling, and prepare me to meet You with confidence and joy. I humble myself before You. Refine me, cleanse me, and strengthen me by Your Spirit.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.