In this week we have considered the importance of seasons of retreat and how to prepare to receive all that God has in store through prayer and expectations. Today, we would consider one more thing to consider as we prepare for camp meeting. It must remain in your consciousness that God called this meeting.

Do you trust in the integrity of the God that ordained this meeting? If you do, the way you would approach preparing in prayer, fasting, and setting expectations would be different. There was something extraordinary that marked times that God called out a man or people unto himself.

Let’s look at some scriptures where God had instructed that certain individuals or people separate themselves unto him for a time.

Acts 1:4
New King James Version
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;

Jesus instructed his disciples to go and tarry in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Spirit as they had been promised. They obeyed this instruction, and the Bible records that they continued in prayer and supplication in one accord (Acts 1:14). So not only did they wait but they did so praying. Look what happens after:

Acts 2:4
New King James Version
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

God’s promise was fulfilled! Something extraordinary happened that would mark the beginning of the early church. They began to speak with new tongues.

Exodus 19:10-11
New King James Version
10 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.

11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

Another example is when God instructed Moses to bring the children of Israel to meet with him at Mount Sinai. The Lord had instructed that they consecrate themselves and on the third day he will come upon Mount Sinai in front of all the people. And God did as he said.

Exodus 19:16, 18 & 20
New King James Version
16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.

18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

20 Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Now in this verse, we see how God called out the people of Israel and did as he promised. What a sight to behold. Later on in the next chapter, we see that it was on this same mount that God gave the 10 commandments- a monumental event in the history of our faith.

In the same manner you can trust that because God has called this meeting for your equipping, he will show up and do just as he has said. All that God has in mind for you to morph into as a result of this meeting will happen.

You must trust that if God calls for a meeting he intends to honour it and show up in a big way. Your expectations would be through the roof if you know that the person with whom you have come to meet is limitless.

Luke 4:1, 14-15
New King James Version
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

The bible records that Jesus was led away by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasted for forty days and nights. But that was not all. Something happened.

14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.

15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

The Bible says Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee and this marked the beginning of his early ministry. This is another example of something extraordinary coming out of a time with God. This meeting is a time that God has ordained for you to be equipped and built up for the year ahead. It would be evident that you have been with God.

We are to honour this meeting as though we know that we are not coming to meet with man but with God. This honour would be evident in how you prepare. So take this period seriously. Pray, write down your expectations, fast, and make sure your heart is in a posture of reception.

Let these words be in your heart as you prepare for the camp meeting. Stay conscious that God had you in mind when he called for a season as this. Rest in the assurance that he is right there to meet with you. Now you know that God has something for you, the question is, “Are you ready?”

Prayer Point
As camp meeting approaches, I am conscious that you set this meeting for me. I come with expectations set high. And I know I would leave a better man, equipped for all that you have for me.