Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. Esther 2:12

Going through a period of preparations is common for every person. The length of the preparation and what is done during that time will depend upon what one is being prepared for and how well one will learn. Preparations can be physical or mental learning.

As the King Ahasuerus was looking for a new queen, many women went through a physical beauty process of being prepared to meet the king.

The world has a focus on being prepared for things in this life. Going to school to get the needed education for a specific job. Prepping the clothes and makeup to look just right. All of these things are for a temporary use.

Believers are also in a time of preparation. However, their preparation is for eternity, not just a short amount of time on this earth. This time of preparation begins at the moment a person chooses to repent of his sins and begins to believe in Jesus for his salvation.

Upon confession, the believer is cleansed of sin and ready to meet God. However, there is a time of growth in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although immediately saved from sin, one must grow in how to be more like Christ on a daily basis.

One learns how to trust God in every situation by going through difficult times and seeing God do a work in his life. One also learns how to love others unconditionally like God does. Life on this earth is a preparation training ground for eternal life in heaven with God.

You are on a lifelong preparation course to meet God. He is preparing you to be just like Jesus in every area of your life, mentally, socially and spiritually.

Do not allow yourself to be caught up in only the temporary preparations on this earth but focus upon what is eternal. The things of this earth will pass away, but the spiritual things of God will last for eternity. Strive to be more like Jesus every day. Grow closer to and more like God, because one day you will spend eternity in heaven with Him.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know how God is preparing you for heaven; that you will allow God to make needed changes in your life; and that you will look more and more like Jesus each day.