“The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”” (Isaiah 14:17 NIV)
These scriptures were written about the destruction of Babylon, but they are also incredible indications of God’s character. He is a God who has a plan. He is a God who follows through.
I find such comfort in His sovereignty. There is surety found in a lifetime of following Jesus. Over the years I have gained tiny glimpses of His good plan unfolding. Certainly not always: there have been long weeks and months, maybe even years of ‘why?‘ and ‘how?’ (Why is this happening? How does this fit into Your good plan?) But every once in a while I get a window where I can identify a few long-term threads clearly and I am once again wowed by His ability to weave all things together for His glory.
When these brief moments happen, I can see how my personality and experiences and encounters with God have prepared me. I’ve had a few quick junctures when my past and present make total sense: where it all lines up for just a second and I pause and praise God for His perfect finessing of people and time and space. But those rare instances are fleeting and they quickly give way to seeming chaos again.
Be encouraged, my friend. The very best-written stories don’t fully come together until the very end, right? Consider your favorite books and movies – the ones that hold your attention until the last scene or chapter. The end is the apex, right? The end is where all the pieces finally fall into place and you get the full picture of what the author or screenwriter originally intended.
We aren’t to the end just yet, friend. Don’t be downtrodden if it doesn’t make sense today. Think of Lazarus; Jesus said his sickness wouldn’t end in death and then Lazarus went ahead and died. That had to be confusing and disheartening! But we know that death was not the end of Lazarus’ story. It was actually just the beginning of his resurrection.
You and I aren’t to the end yet. Even if right now you can’t quite see it, what might happen if you began to believe in God’s sovereignty and goodness? What if you inched out on that branch of belief just a little bit further?
I suspect that God might respond to your increased faith and award you a glimpse, too. You may gain a little smidge of eternal perspective in your story, just enough to grow your admiration and appreciation for a holy God. Doesn’t that sound like a reasonable risk?
“As for God, His way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. (Psalm 18:30 NIV)
Lord, today we step out just a little farther on the branch of trusting You entirely. Your word says You have a plan and a purpose. Even though we aren’t aware of the ins and outs of that plan, we long to be a part of it. We surrender a bit more to You – the Author of salvation. Please give us a glimpse of Your good sovereignty. Strengthen our faith as we more fully follow You. Amen.