The world seems a little crazy. Break down in international law-well that’s not new but the United States? Iran in uproar. Rising prices. Protests. Uncertainty. Governments desperately trying to legislate social cohesion. If that is not enough at the personal level we are or will face challenges that threaten to overwhelm us-relationships, finances, death, illness. Now in one sense this has always been the situation but there are times when such situations are accentuated. This is one such time.
But history is not cyclical-it’s linear. God has plan and a purpose and each day draws us closer to its ultimate conclusion. So as the Apostle Paul reminds us we should not lose heart. We need to be reminded of where we sit in the outworking of God’s plan and indeed what is God’s Plan.
Last Sunday I shared a sermon on Understanding Where We Sit in History. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMrinX2zbVE
I encourage you to listen carefully and keep in mind this truth. God’s intention, His plan has never changed. He wants and will have a people- the church (made of of many people ) reach completion/maturity which is measured by the fulness of Christ.(Ephesians 4:13)
Progress towards this is happening as individuals who make up the Church allow Christ to live through them (Galatians 2:20) The more this happens, the more we see the challenges and fears we face, as our opportunities to overcome through Christ, the closer the church comes to maturity.
When that process is completed what is an absolute truth in God’s eyes -the church being the fulness of Him who fills everything in every way (Ephesians 1:23) will be an experienced reality and Christ will return.
So lets give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ) knowing as Christ lives through us we are partnering with Him to complete His plan and purpose.(