Isaiah 62:10 “Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!”

Are obstacles keeping you from going where you need to go? God has prepared a way for you and just because there are stones in the path doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go that way. When a highway is built, there are those who survey, those who clear the way and those who build the road. Many people will travel that road once it’s completed, but if no one steps up to prepare, no one will benefit from the highway.

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. He announced his coming and readied people to receive the word of the Lord. Now it’s our turn. We are to be those who prepare the way for the return of Christ. Us, the blood bought ones, those he commanded to make disciples of all men, we are the ones who are to prepare the way. He didn’t call us to sit in our comfortable pews, to make an appearance and look nice. He said to follow him and I seem to remember that he moved around a lot, going and doing what his Father told him to do. 

When was the last time you picked up a stone of hindrance from the path you were on so that those who followed behind you wouldn’t stumble and fall. That could mean just dealing with issues in your life that may cause someone else to sin. It could mean, stop complaining about how nothing good ever happens to you, or simply learning to trust in God and loving others. What are you doing to prepare the way? Do you love like Jesus? Do you point people in the way they should go but make a U turn because the road gets too rough for you to travel? 

Where is God leading you and what’s keeping you from going? He said we are to love him more than anything or anyone; that’s jobs, family, friends, churches, ministry, EVERYTHING! There should be NOTHING that holds you back from showing others the way to Jesus and no one that comes between you and him. Father, examine our hearts, show us where the stones are and how to give you access to people, places and things that stand in the way. We love you and want others to know that love as well, not selfishly keep it for ourselves. Father, your gift of love was never made to hold onto, it was made to give away so we make more room to receive.