Imagine that you grew up in ancient Egypt and followed the exploits of one very high profile prince in the land. Then you heard the terrible news that he was wanted for subversion against the state but he had escaped arrest just in the nick of time and become a fugitive.One day, you travel abroad and find this prince now reduced to working as a labourer for his father-in-law. How would you react to that? And how would you report your encounter with him when you return to Egypt? Typically, you are likely to go: Can you believe who I met on my journey? Do you remember the prince who ran away? Well, I met him abroad and you will not believe what he has been reduced to. He is now a labourer working for his father-in¬law as a common farm hand.And those who hear your report are likely to join you in shaking their heads in disgust at the downfall of the man who used to be so high class. But the question is, will you and your friends be right to pity and spite him?I am talking about Moses in the Bible and the phase in his life when he was reduced to looking after the sheep of his father-in-law in return for boarding and lodging. This phase of his life, though a far cry from the royal lifestyle he was used to, was critical in his preparation to lead his people out of Egypt. He had not been disgraced; he was being prepared for far greater things.One of the most difficult things in life is how we see the journey God has mapped out for our lives. On that journey, we are often made to travel grounds that are so difficult and unattractive that people dismiss us as having failed or missed the road. Those are the times when no matter how hard we try, we don't seem to be making any progress. It is at those times that we become discouraged and feel the whole world is laughing at us. And yet those are often the times when God is preparing us for greater things and if only we can accept that, then it is only a matter of time when we see a turnaround in our fortunes.Moses was going through a difficult time in his life but he was going through his preparations for greater service. We see the same principle at work in the life of David who later became the greatest king of Israel. We first meet him in the Bible as a shepherd boy playing his harp. Then by divine enablement he kills Goliath. This brings him into prominence and he becomes a general in the army. He is so successful a general that the women celebrate his exploits in a song which becomes the number one hit in Israel. But this breeds hatred in the king against him and David has to run out of town.From being a general, he is reduced to a fugitive then to a beggar and finally to a “mad” man in Gath. It seemed he was finished but this was all part of God's preparation for him as the future king of Israel and the one through whose line the Messiah would be born.It is possible that you are going through a difficult phase in life. All hopes and aspirations seem dashed. Life has not only come to a standstill but you seem to have suffered serious reverses. Now friends and former colleagues use you as a cautionary tale and an object of ridicule. But it is also possible that you are at this phase at God's appointment.What you see as your disgrace may just be your preparation for the next phase of your life. It pays to know the seasons of your life. As long as God is your hope you can be sure that whatever happens to you will be used by Him for your good. God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.