God’s Process of Preparation through Removal
Throughout the Scriptures, we find a recurring theme where God removes chosen vessels from their homes and families before magnifying them in ways that often transcend human understanding. This process serves not only as a preparation for the divine mission ahead but also as a testament to God’s sovereign authority and the unfolding of higher plans. The notion of removal is crucial as it often leads to a period of transformation, where individuals are refined and equipped for their divine purpose.
One of the earliest examples is found in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1, God said to Abram, “Go from your country and your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Abraham’s act of faith in leaving his homeland was not just a physical relocation; it was the beginning of a covenant that would establish a great nation through him. By removing Abraham from his familiar surroundings, God was preparing him to be the father of many nations, a role that required complete dependence on God’s guidance.
Similarly, Joseph was removed from the comfort of his family when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:28). This betrayal led to a series of events where Joseph endured hardship in Egypt, ultimately serving in Pharaoh’s court. It was through these trials that Joseph was transformed from a shepherd boy with dreams to a powerful leader who saved many during a famine. His elevation was not merely for his benefit but served a greater purpose in fulfilling God’s plan for Israel.
The story of Moses further exemplifies this theme of removal leading to magnification. After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent 40 years in Midian as a shepherd (Exodus 2:15). This significant removal from his royal upbringing was God’s way of shaping him into a humble leader capable of guiding the Israelites out of bondage. When God called him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-10), Moses had undergone a spiritual and personal transformation that prepared him for his monumental task ahead.
Elijah provides another poignant example. In 1 Kings 17:3, God instructed Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith after announcing the drought. This period of seclusion was essential for Elijah’s spiritual and emotional fortitude. It was during this time that God provided for him in miraculous ways, teaching him to rely solely on divine provision. It was once that, after emerging from this time of solitude, Elijah was empowered to confront the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20), ultimately leading Israel back to God.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ disciples often experienced removal as part of their calling. For instance, when Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they left their fishing nets and families behind (Matthew 4:19-20). Their immediate response to follow Jesus marked the beginning of their transformative journey, which would lead them to spread the Gospel, thus magnifying their lives far beyond what they could have imagined at the outset.
Paul’s transformation is another profound testament to this principle. Initially a persecutor of Christians, Saul of Tarsus encountered Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). This event was a literal removal from his previous life, leading to a time of blindness and solitude before he emerged as a bold apostle. Paul’s writings and missionary journeys became instrumental in establishing early Christianity, representing the ultimate magnification from a life opposing Christ to one of profound faith.
Esther’s story also illustrates this principle of removal and elevation. Taken from her family to the palace of King Xerxes, Esther found herself in a perilous yet unique position (Esther 2:8). After being prepared and anointed for her role as queen, she used her influence to save her people from annihilation. Her journey reflects how God’s orchestration often involves significant upheaval before God elevates chosen vessels.
David, too, encountered this theme when he was anointed as king while still a shepherd in the fields (1 Samuel 16:11-13). His removal from the comforts of home, combined with years of adversity while fleeing from Saul, ultimately shaped him into the king that Israel needed. It was through his trials that he developed a heart after God, which would lead him to be remembered as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
Even Jesus Himself experienced removal before magnification. His experience in the wilderness, after His baptism, was pivotal (Matthew 4:1-11). This period of fasting and temptation was crucial in preparing Him for public ministry. After overcoming these trials, Jesus began His ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God with unparalleled authority. His life serves as the ultimate example of how removal is often a precursor to divine magnification.
The biblical narrative is rich with examples demonstrating how God’s chosen vessels often undergo a period of removal before being elevated to fulfill divine purposes. Each story serves to remind us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and God’s plans for our lives can often involve challenges that lead us toward magnification. Understanding this can provide comfort and encouragement for those who find themselves in periods of dislocation or uncertainty in their own lives.
Where is God within you, moving YOU and for what purpose?
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
****I reference God as a powerful spirit and with no gender in this post, according to the scripture that God is “spirit”…. In contrast, I often use “he,” “him,” “his,” but still respectfully assert that “God is not a man,” but rather a powerful spiritual force of love and a spark of light held within each human creation.
References
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Counted: 1 & 2 Samuel. Victor Books.
Morris, L. (2005). The Gospel according to Matthew. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.
Wilkerson, D. (2013). The Cross and the Switchblade. New York: Anchor Books.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 