You read that right. God’s plan has been in the works for thousands of years. It all began prior to the creation and is still playing out today. Talk about waiting for and letting things develop over time, it has been over 2000 years just on this side of the birth of Jesus Christ. And, there is no way for us to know when His plan will be fully complete, so it could continue for thousands of years longer, or not.
“7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” – Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV)
There is so much to unpack in those verses, but where my eyes were brought this morning is in verse 10 and the plan set in place “for the fullness of time”. This is where I must hang my hat to know that God’s plan is ultimate and we are just working in that plan until it is completed. That completion time is unknown, although once all is united “in Him” it will be done.
In the world we are a part of, there seems to be this desire to have all things “right now” and as such, the satisfaction of receiving is lost. Thinking of Christmas time and how often is it that the gift given is thrown to the side because the newer version launches the next week. Or the promotion received at work is received after the third month on the job and the satisfaction is lost the next week when the next promotion is seen to be years away.
I have the privilege of serving God at a church plant in Boerne, Texas. As the church is less than one year old, the growth has been phenomenal thanks to God. As it goes, I was able to have a great lunch with our pastor a bit ago and was blessed to appreciate the satisfaction of that growth and hear it in Jared’s words. He was overjoyed with the growth, and quick to indicate that in spite of that growth, the approach to the vision would remain slow so as to improve the depth discipleship of every member of the church and the community we serve. The alignment to God’s plan is amazing.
If God can have a plan in the works for millennia, I believe a plans for me that take 10 years or so is not so out of the question and should be something that I strive for. I have to remember that it is the plan and the journey more so than just reaching the end that will bring the satisfaction, peace, and joy to me and more importantly to God.
Where is your focus on satisfaction, the end result, or the journey? How much satisfaction, peace, and joy are you getting at the end result? What if you were to have a plan that is in the works for tens of years instead of tens of days?
Trevor's Thoughts 