Dear Father, There's a concept I'd like to discuss that may or may not be applicable in every regard: manifestation is often strengthened by ample time and fervency in preparation. When Jesus was twelve years old, He went with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem, where He went missing. The Scripture records that, “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” I initially intended to assume that Jesus began preparing for ministry when He was twelve years old. But if, at twelve, the doctors were already astonished by His responses to their questions, then there was more to His preparation than the Scripture tells us. And it gets interesting because He began His ministry at thirty and ended it at thirty three. So perhaps, it took Him eighteen years, plus the time that was not stated, to prepare for what lasted for three and a half years. And it is easy to think, “Why should I be surprised by Jesus’ display of wisdom at twelve?” But the Scripture tells us “He grew in wisdom and understanding.” I believe I can take from this that the greater the assignment, the more time may be required for preparation. This revelation can help us in seasons when we grow weary because it seems as though the world has moved on and we are stuck, all the while preparing and watching others soar. Every assignment carries its own appointed time in destiny. Perhaps we would be more intentional about how we prepare if we remain aware of the magnitude and uniqueness of our assignment, rather than allow ourselves be consumed by the length of time it requires. Translations: Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindi Slide 5: Urdu Slide 6: Portuguese #LettertoGod #planning #destiny #seasons #time