"A Prepared Place"

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

When we read this verse, we usually think about the place the Lord is preparing for us in heaven. Certainly, it is a place so beautiful, so glorious, so unlike this world that we can't define or describe it accurately. Who can imagine, without actually seeing it, what the streets of gold, gates of pearl, mansions and the rainbow around the throne of God really look like.

But this verse is also talking about the "here and now". God has prepared some things for us while we are still here in this world. (That's part of the abundant life that Jesus was talking about.) For one, He has prepared a place of peace and rest for us. When the plagues were falling on Egypt, God had prepared a place called Goshen for the Israelites to dwell in. The Bible records that while the Egyptians were suffering because of the plagues the Israelites were dwelling in safety. The plagues weren't touching them. They were in a place of peace and rest. They could relax in their homes with no fear that the plagues were going to destroy them.

Jesus showed us first hand what this place looked like one night when He and the disciples were in a boat crossing the sea and a violent storm came up. Where was this place? Was there a cabin on the boat and He was safely below deck? No, the place was a place of peace and rest that He found in the Father. The waves were beating upon the boat, the boat was being tossed on the sea, water was filling the boat, but Jesus was asleep through it all- until the disciples woke Him up. How could He sleep through a storm? Because He had found that place of peace and rest that God had prepared.

Have you found that place? Are you at peace when you see the "plagues of crisis" that are coming on the world? Are you resting in faith and confidence that the storm that is hitting your life will not drown you nor destroy you? That place of peace and rest that God has prepared for those that love Him is found in Him. He is our safe refuge- our place of peace and rest.

Have a great day. God has prepared a place for those who love Him here and now... and in heaven.

For further reading:
John 10:10
Exodus 8:21-23: 9:26
Mark 4:37-39
Psalm 4:8
Psalm 91