Proverbs 24:27 - Steps and Processes

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.

Observation

I had to stop and ask God what this scripture meant and how to apply it in my life. The Holy Spirit usually helps me discern scriptures quickly, but I had to seek God for several day's on this scripture.  Today, however, as I was praying this scripture out loud and God revealed what it meant.  This scripture is referring to steps.

There are steps or processes for anything in life. Some steps are so natural that we don't even know we are doing them and others are less apparent and we have to ask God to reveal each step as we walk with Him.

But what if I don't want to do a the next step now, but what to jump a couple steps ahead? Well, let's explore what that would look like. What if I was baking cookies and I skipped the step of mixing the batter, eggs, and butter all for the sake of getting them in the oven and in my mouth? Well they would taste like poo and I probably lose my "mom" card for a few day's.  Or what if I starved myself instead of eating healthy so that I could lose weight quickly? Well I would probably lose weight quickly and then gain it all back with bonus weight in a month or two.

How about our finances?  What it look like if I got a credit card and took that vacation to Italy instead of saving up for it? Well, with interest rates high and one income, I am sure the Raman noodle dinners my family would have would last longer then the memories of Italy. This could be said about all monetary desires that we get now and pay for later.

Let's go deeper.  What about sex before marriage? There are multiple ramifications for skipping this step (maybe I will explore this at another blog post).  Or teaching the word of God without first studying the word of God yourself?  God's word say's that we should not all presume to be teachers of the law, for there is a stricter judgment for those who teach (James 3:1).

Application

Each step in the process is just as important as the next. Sometimes the work outside takes awhile to be ready and sometimes it goes quickly. In my foolishness I have tried to skip many steps in order to obtain faster results. God in His graciousness, however, sent me back a few steps because there were lessons that needed to be learned and relationships that needed to be established.  God is teaching me that faster is not better and I am learning how to enjoy the step of the process that I am in.

Prayer

Father, I praise You for being the Good Shepherd, for leading me each day with Your voice. Please help me to be instant in season and out of season to take the steps that You are outlining for me. I celebrate You in this season LORD. Your process and plan for me is good and I praise You for Your faithfulness in this journey.