And so it continues. We have made it to the eleventh verse in chapter one. After today there will be only 144 verses to go. Are you ready to get started?
"Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
So not only does God have a plan, but there's more. You see that word "Furthermore"? It means there's more coming, something in addition. So we are not only chosen before time began, not only bought at an immeasurable price, but we have also received an inheritance from God. You have an inheritance from the CREATOR of the Universe. You are cherished. You are not an estranged child. You are not the black sheep of the family. You are adopted and as such receive all the rights and benefits of a blood connection including receiving an inheritance. Yep, God thinks you're pretty special.
This verse repeats a lot of what we've already talked about. It's a good thing too. Many times I feel like I need a reminder of what has already been said. So easily I forget how passionate God is about me. How much he loves me. How he chose me. How he is in control of Everything. And then Paul reiterates himself and I find myself brought to my knees once again in awe of, well, pretty much EVERYTHING!
Do you see that last part of the verse? "...he makes everything work out according to his plan." God promises that everything will work out. He doesn't promise that it will work out the way that we think it should, but rather that it will work out according to his plan. And the Bible very clearly states in Isaiah 55:8 "'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.'" Our thoughts and plans are nothing like God's thoughts and plans. God's are so far beyond our imagination that we cannot even begin to understand and comprehend them. Even when it doesn't seem like his plans are working out, remember the promise, "...he makes everything work out according to his plan."
And he does this because we are united with Christ. Because once we are in a relationship with him, we are his. The offer stands for those who believe and accept Jesus. He will work out everything according to his plan and purposes. And we already know what his plan is: his plan is to reconcile as many people to him as possible through Jesus Christ. He will do whatever it takes to make his plan happen. But know this: in the end, everything works out.
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