For such a time...

As many of you know, I am involved with a variety of ministries here at RWC, most having to do with young people. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to hear Pastors Chris, Tina, Mike, Ted, as well as Mr. John and Mr. Tim. I have learned from them and used from them for my lessons at Missionettes, ROCK Club, and Sunday mornings.

I would like to share one of the lessons I taught at the ROCK. We were studying the prayer of Jabez through a book I found called The Prayer of Jabez, Devotions for Kids, Living Big for God by Bruce Wilkinson.

Pastor Hal had been speaking on the end times and was getting almost wrapped up on Sundays. Someone at a social event commented that it was amazing, awesome, and an honor that God chose us to be here (this time, decade, century, era) for his plan to be fulfilled. Pastor Ted taught at Life Change.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
says the Lord. “They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope.”

These were words of encouragement to the people of Judah. They were slaves, prisoners in Babylon. God told them he had plans for success, a future of hope. Did I mention that they were slaves in a foreign country?! He told them to work hard for Babylon so it would be successful and then they would be better off.

How does that relate to us? God knows the plans he has for us. We are in the time, decade, century, era, that we are supposed to be. No sooner, no later.

1 Peter 1:20
God chose him (Jesus) for this purpose
long before the world began,
but now in these final days,
he was sent to the earth for all to see.

And he did this for you.
Even Jesus was planned. He had a time, decade, century, era that he was to come. He completed his job.
God has plans for success. He told us how it ends. We win!! We need to show up, follow the rules, play our best, and finish.

1 Peter 1:4-5
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for you,
pure undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And God, in his mighty power,
will protect you until you receive this salvation,
because you are trusting him.
It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.

- Susie Hickman