3 Day Devotional: Joy Prepares the Way - Day 2

Scripture Reading
Luke 1:15–17 (NIV)
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink,
and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the
people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Luke 1:80 (NIV)
And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Devotional Reflection
God told Zechariah what John would do long before He revealed when John would do it. And in between the what and the when, God shaped John’s heart.

John’s preparation didn’t happen on a platform — it happened in the wilderness. Away from
crowds. Away from applause. Away from recognition. The wilderness was not punishment; it
was formation.

Joy doesn’t only start something — joy sustains us while God is shaping us. Joy teaches us how to wait without becoming bitter. Joy teaches us how to grow without becoming resentful. Joy keeps us strong in spirit even when life feels quiet and hidden.

John’s message would eventually be repentance, not because God wanted to shame people, but because repentance makes room for joy. Repentance clears space for God to do something new.

If you are waiting, growing, or feeling hidden right now, joy is still doing its work in you.

Reflection Questions
 Are you living between a “what” God has shown you and a “when” you are still waiting
for?
 How has God been shaping you in this season?
 What might God be clearing away to make room for deeper joy?

Prayer
God, help me trust You in the shaping seasons. When I feel hidden or delayed, remind me that
You are still at work. Shape my heart, strengthen my spirit, and teach me to wait with joy. Amen.