Let There Be Joy - Day 3

Let There Be Joy
Written By Carol McLeod

Lord, Prepare Me For What You are Preparing For Me

In the days during which Elizabeth lived, it wasn’t uncommon for pregnant women to go into seclusion when their pregnancy became obvious.  However, according to Scripture, Elizabeth, who was old enough to be a great-grandmother, apparently went into seclusion from the very first days of her unexpected pregnancy. 

I have often wondered why Elizabeth chose to hide herself away much earlier than was culturally acceptable or required.  I wonder if perhaps Elizabeth found it necessary to prepare her heart for God’s plan.  Elizabeth may have been so filled with thanksgiving and wonder that she knew preparing for motherhood was the single most important priority at her very advanced age.

I can picture tears coursing down her wrinkled and liver-spotted cheeks as she prayed, “Lord!  A miracle!  A bona fide miracle You have given to us!”

I wonder, as Elizabeth began the joy of making sweet little blankets and sewing precious garments of miniature clothing with gnarled and arthritic fingers, if her heart cried out to the God of the universe, “Lord, prepare me for what You are preparing for me!”

I believe that during these days of quiet, yet joyful contemplation, Elizabeth had a heart overflowing with gratitude.  She may have been intent on changing her lifestyle during this time of delightful preparation in order to become the mother that raising a young man of greatness would require.  Elizabeth was preparing her heart for the day of delivery and blessing.

During this Christmas season, for what do you need to prepare your heart?  Do you need to make some lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the destiny that God has chosen for you?  For those that He calls to do a great work, He also calls away into His presence.

Christmas is the season of hope and miracles and it is also the season of preparation for the destiny of God.  I pray that you will take some time today, and every day during this wonderful season, to hide yourself in God’s presence.  Rather than wrap yourself in busy-ness and extravagance, snuggle up in His love for you and ask Him to reveal His destiny for your life.

I hope that you will pray with Elizabeth, and with me, “Lord, prepare me for what You are preparing for me.”

Bible Reading:  (click the Bible reference to open in reader)

Luke 1:24 & 25

Isaiah 40:28-30

Let There Be Joy In Me:

What is the great work that you have been called to partner in with God?

What are some of the ways that you can prepare for the great work that God has called you to?

What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

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Carol McLeod
Carol says, “I am just a girl who is head over heels in love with Jesus ... passionately addicted to His Word ... and find all of the joy that I need in time spent in His presence." Carol is a Christmas-aholic, loves ACC basketball and the beach! Like all menopausal women, she is overly fond of chocolate and enjoys a good read. She doesn't like cleaning her house and is an expert in carry-out dinners. She hates to shop … loves to jog … and somehow finds time in her busy life to hang out with small children. She is the kind of woman that you could laugh with over lunch, cry with over disappointment and shout with over a victory! But … if you need her official bio … read on! Carol is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. She also hosts highly successful Just Joy! outreaches. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN.  A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers.  Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain.  She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY.  Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren! Carol has written three books, "Holy Estrogen!", "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart" and "Defiant Joy!" which was released by a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has also been featured on YouVersion (the smart phone Bible app) with several devotionals, including: "For the Journey Set Before Him", "Jolt of Joy", and "Joy to YOUR world", " Carol has a daily radio program, "Defiant Joy! Radio" which is available in several national markets including Youngsville PA, Warren PA, Buffalo NY, Roanoke VA, Norfolk VA, and Nashville TN.  A 1977 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in Music and English, Carol has the distinction of being both the first Women's Chaplain and the first woman to speak at the university's Vespers.  Carol currently serves on the ORU Alumni Board as chaplain.  She is married to her college sweetheart and love of her life, Craig, who serves as senior pastor of Life Church, a church near Buffalo, NY.  Craig and Carol have been happily married for nearly 37 years and are the parents of five children and three delightful daughters-in-law. Craig and Carol are thrilled with the joy of being grandparents to five precious grandchildren!
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Let There Be Joy - Day 4
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