Jordon Gilmore

Message Focus

• A pause in the Law of Christ series to reflect on God’s preparation
• Transitioning from 2025 into 2026
• Theme: God uses seasons of preparation to ready us for what’s next

Key Scripture

Philippians 1:6

• God finishes what He starts
• We are all in process until Christ returns
• Whether or not we hit our goals, God is still working

Reframing the Year

• We often measure years by:
  • Goals accomplished
  • Resolutions kept
  • Vision boards fulfilled
• New question to ask:
  • What did I face that I didn’t plan for?
  • How did God prepare me through it?
• Disappointment over unmet goals can blind us to hidden preparation

Preparation Is God’s Pattern

• God prepares us not just for next year—but for:
  • Future assignments
  • Generational impact
  • Long-term fruit
• 2025 may have been preparation for something far beyond 2026

Biblical Examples of Preparation

1. Moses — God Places the Gift First

Acts 7:23–36

Core Truth

• God already places the good stuff inside us
• Preparation is about shaping character, not creating gifts

Moses’ Preparation

• Gift present early: justice & deliverer’s heart
• Problem: lacked character, patience, confidence
• 40 years in Midian taught him:
  • Spiritual counsel (Jethro)
  • Responsibility (husband & father)
  • Shepherding (leading people)
• God refined what was already inside him

Takeaway

• Failing to submit to preparation is one way we rob God
• Gifts require development to carry their weight

Illustration — The Yo-Yo

• Wanting the gift without learning the process leads to frustration
• God teaches steps before success
• Skipping preparation results in burnout and disappointment

2. David — Preparation Is Humbling

1 Samuel 16–18

Core Truth

• Preparation is often:
  • Undignified
  • Hidden
  • Humbling

David’s Journey

• Anointed king → sent back to the fields
• Defeats Goliath → still not king
• Serves Saul → becomes Saul’s enemy
• 15 years of preparation before the throne

What David Learned

• Respect for God-ordained authority
• Trust in God’s protection
• Accountability
• Faithfulness without recognition

Key Insight

• God often prepares us outside the spotlight
• Social media makes waiting harder—but waiting builds depth

3. Paul — Preparation Produces Boldness

Acts 9

Core Truth

• Faithful preparation leads to confidence and boldness

Paul’s Process

• Dramatic conversion on Damascus Road
• Then three years of preparation
• Developed:
  • Confidence in calling
  • Boldness in message
  • Wisdom to address his past

Takeaway

• You can’t step out boldly if you haven’t been prepared quietly

Final Takeaways

• God has already placed gifts inside you
• Preparation can feel slow, humbling, and unseen
• Faithful preparation produces confidence when the time comes
• Don’t resent your season—learn from it