Today I write this post more for me than you, but I hope it will truly inspire you to keep clinging to God’s plan.

Has God ever given you a word for a loved one or perhaps for yourself? Most likely, He didn’t give you specific details of His plan, but you remember the moment you heard Him speak.

I have heard Him speak on several different occasions. One task I dreaded in school was public speaking. It was so bad that a couple of times I faked being sick in Jr. High when it was my turn to speak in front of the class. But I had to finally face my fears in college because public speaking was a mandatory class. I prayed my way through the class. On the day I received my class grade, I heard God say to me that I would be speaking for Him one day. And that word would come to fruition years later.

To this day, I must tell you that sometimes I feel like Jeremiah when he said, “If I say I’ll never mention the LORD  or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. I’ts like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it” (Jeremiah 20:9)!

Something tells me that most of the prophets felt the same way. When you’re called, you’re called. When God has you marked for something, He will fulfill it no matter how hard you may fight it. Remember Jonah?

The loudest voice I’ve heard from God is about my son, Matt. On three separate occasions, God gave me a word. While God didn’t give me specific details, I do believe it will be awesome when it’s finally revealed. There’s no doubt, God’s hand is on him and he’s marked for greater eternal things.

Do you have a similar story? Have you heard from God? Do you have a word tucked into your heart waiting for it to come to fruition?

Well, here are three things we need to know about God’s plan…

God’s plan may take awhile!

It took centuries for God to fulfill His greatest prophesy: the coming Messiah. God spoke often about it, but the people waited a long time. And then after Jesus was born, it took 30 more years for God to reveal His Son to the world.

Imagine what His mother went through. Mary and Joseph were the only ones who knew that Jesus was the promised Messiah. People talked about it. Friends prayed for it. Relatives pondered it. Strong opinions bounced off the synagogue walls.

And all along, Jesus was living quietly in his mom and dad’s house. No one knew, not even his brothers and sisters. I wonder if Mary was getting a little impatient. Did she question God? Did she try and spur Jesus on to make Himself known?

Without a doubt, people would think she was going crazy if she confided in someone.

Thirty years is a long time to hold a secret. Especially a secret like that.

But Mary trusted in God’s timing. And she waited.

So if you are still waiting, keep reminding yourself that God’s timing is perfect.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
Habakkuk 2:3

God’s plan will be fulfilled!

Listen to David’s prayer: “You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun” (Psalm 138:8).

 

If we had been with David on his journey to the throne, these words would surely warm our hearts even more than they do now. David is speaking from experience. God anointed him king over Israel years before he usurped the throne. But while he waited for the appointed time, he battled many enemies – enemies from without and from within.

The reigning King Saul hated David because he was beloved among the people. Intense jealousy tormented his soul. He finally ordered David’s death, which sent David running for his life. David hid in caves, while Saul sent armies to kill him.

David also battled depression and emotional torment. We know this by some of his writings… “O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand” (Psalm 13:1-2)?

In the end, though, God did fulfill His plan for David… he was given the throne God promised to him.

If you are still waiting, then focus on David’s story and this verse: “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21).

The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, endures forever.
Psalm 138:8

God’s plan will be for His glory!

God always has a purpose in everything. One of the most touching stories in the New Testament is the raising up of Lazarus (John 11). When Mary and Martha called for Jesus, their brother Lazarus was teetering on the edge of death. He was very sick. He needed a miracle. It so happened that Jesus was a dear family friend and He was in the habit of performing phenomenal things, including raising the dead. So, surely He could bring back Lazarus to health. 

When Mary and Martha called for Jesus, Lazarus was still alive. And they just knew that He would come and heal him. Why wouldn’t He? But that’s not what happened. Upon hearing the news, Jesus stayed where He was another couple of days. By the time He did arrive, Lazarus had been dead for four days and was already in the tomb. Why would Jesus do this?

Because He had something far better than just making him well. 

With a whole town watching, Jesus would reveal His glory through this miracle. He would show them all His greatness, His splendor, His majesty, His nobility. And soon He would be exalted as King of all kings. Many more would praise His Name. 

While Mary and Martha were confused by Jesus seemingly apathy, He had a much grander plan. He would bring Lazarus back from the dead. Imagine that miracle. For those teetering on the fence of belief or disbelief, this climactic wonder might just push them over to the side of belief. It would forever change their lives.

Jesus responded [to Martha], “Didn’t I tell you that would see God’s glory
if you believe?” John 11:40

I’m not sure what God’s plan is for your life, or your loved ones, but hold on to these truths. Expect God to do amazing wonders before your eyes. And know that He is waiting for the perfect time to reveal it so that His glory will be displayed.

Amen?

Blessings,