God is the ultimate long-range planner. His purposes encompass the whole range from eternity to eternity and extend to every part of His dominion. Always remember this, from a short-range perspective, things may appear to be out of control, but God is ordering all things in such a way that they will reach a glorious consummation. Read the verses below to consider the long-range plans ordained by God.
Isaiah 37:26 (HCSB) Have you not heard? I designed it long ago; I planned it in days gone by. I have now brought it to pass, and you have crushed fortified cities into piles of rubble.
Isaiah 46:10 (HCSB) I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will.
Although the people of Israel often looked at their circumstances and questioned whether the Lord knew what He was doing, but God affirmed through His prophets that He knew exactly what He was doing. God's involvement in His people's affairs is not capricious or reactive but purposeful and deliberate. His timing is perfect, and His purpose cannot be thwarted. God's sovereign intentions exceed the boundaries of time and are consistent with the perfection of His character.
God sent His Son when "the time had fully come" (Galatians 4:3). He chose the ideal circumstances for the coming of Christ and the propagation of the Gospel. By the first century, the Roman Empire had brought a universal peace, a common language and the best roads the world had ever known. The political, religious, economic and social conditions were ideally suited to the rapid spread of the message of hope and new life in Christ. God works out everything for the good of His will! (Ephesians 1:11). Even the crucifixion was part of God's long-range planning (Read Acts 4:27-28)
For further study of this issue, consider the following passages in light of God's long-range plans: Job 42:2; John 12:27; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Peter 3:8-10; Romans 8:28-30; 9:11.
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