As we near year’s end many people start to reflect on
what they have accomplished this past year and create goals for the coming
year. In doing this some may ask, “What’s
the point?”. If this is not you, read on. God may put someone in your life that
needs some encouragement. If this is you, read on. God has put today’s message
in your life as an encouragement.
Ultimate encouragement comes from God in His word but
on this topic His word can have contradictions. Verses like, “no eye has seen
and no ear has heard” can make us think we will never know for sure that what
we’re doing matters. Other verses, like
the one below, can lead us to believe that we can indeed know what God has
planned.
“With all wisdom and understanding, He made
known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he
purposed in Christ - to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment
- to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (Ephesians
1:8-10 NIV)
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| We want the easy way - God wants the best way even if it contains some uncomfortable times. |
The
answer to the conflict is that both verses are right. The key is God’s timing
in partnership with our faith. Look at the section of this verse above in
between the dashes. “…to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment…”
We won’t know the whole picture but we can know our purpose is real. The
revealing the answers of why and how is in God’s timing. His timing is perfect,
as He sees both the beginning and the end.
He is one that puts all things into motion so they work together
for good. (Romans 8:28). Our part is to
do our part. The “why’s” of life will reveal themselves at the right time. We
do what we do, “Because”.
Back in February of 2004
I heard a pastor preach a sermon titled “Good Works – What’s the Point” in which he made
this statement – “Only things done for Christ will last”. He went
on to say, “The
mature believer does not hold tightly to material things, but walks in the
truth that life will soon be in the past, and only what’s done
for Christ will last. It is on God and heaven that the believer must focus
his thoughts and energy, for he who confesses that there is nothing solid or
stable on the earth, and yet firmly lives - daily strengthening his hope in
God, undoubtedly knows a happiness reserved for just for him.” (H.
Spees, Northwest Church, Fresno, CA)
I
can imagine Jesus as a young boy learning and memorizing this verse from the
Jewish Torah, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah
29:11 (NIV). I can also imagine Him
reciting this verse in the garden the night before he was to be taken away for
trial and then again as he was beaten by the guards before being crucified and even
on the cross staring death in the face. Setting aside his deity, Jesus was like
us – fully dependent, by faith, on God. He did not know what the future held,
but He knew God’s promises would come to pass. Just like us, His part was to do
his part.
So, what is our part?
First,
we have to position ourselves to hear God’s voice. This does not mean we need
to do a “clean up” first. A heart set toward Him is all God needs to get
started, although, to get a clear signal, you may have to turn down other
sounds in your spiritual environment. Remember,
positioning for listening is an everyday assignment. (Psalm 95:6-8)
Next,
is our willingness to do what He says. This is where most people stop and imagine
God will send them to Africa to live in a shack. Truth be told… I’ve only known
a handful of people this has happened to.
For the rest of us, God starts small with something like “Go to Church
instead of the bar”. Again Jesus is our example for willingness with his words
said to God, “Let your will be done”. (Matt 26:42) Remember, will is like a gas
tank, - don’t forget to fill the will. Prayer and fellowship with other
believers are great gas stations.
Lastly,
comes Faith. Faith takes what God says, together with our willingness to move,
to propel us forward. (Matt 25:23) Remember, faith grows as we walk. Get up and
go - walk in the path He sets before you.
Purpose
can seem far away. Works of our hands can seem fruitless. Those
are lies - seeming is only an impression not necessarily based on truth. God’s truth
is that He works all things for good, so we put our faith in the promise, when
we do our part, He takes care of the rest. He will reveal how we contributed to
the fulfillment of His good works in perfect timing. And, when doubt creeps in
like a thief to rob you of joy and asks the volatile question, “What’s the
point?” you can simply tell that little pest – “Because!”
Take
the time to pray this verse over someone you know and over yourself for the
coming New Year: (Replace
the yours/you’s with me/my and the name of the person)
** I pray that
the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope
to which God has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His people,
and His incomparably great power for us who believe ** (Ephesians 1:18-19)
For the non-traditionalists
out there - Imagine “purpose” as the
name of a loved one you’ve been missing while on a long trip. Then click this link to watch a music
video about how your “true purpose” is protected until you’re ready to come
home to God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ6YTm6qEO0&feature=player_embedded
For
the traditional hearts: click
here for a gospel song – “Only what you do for Christ will last”
