But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11)
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
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)
During this grace-filled Christmas season, have you ever asked yourself this question, "What is the plan of the Lord?" Let's consider some aspects of his plan. First of all, the Lord has always desired:
To dwell with his people forever.
To enjoy a close, intimate relationship with those whom he created.
To share his love, hopes, and dreams with his people, and to have them do the same with him.
His plan is also to delight in-and be delighted by-his creation. To share his power and attributes with those whom he created in his image and likeness.
The plan has never changed. It has stood firm from the time of our first parents, even today, and it will remain his intention until the very end of time. Sin didn't obliterate it, for sin and its author, Satan, are not stronger than God. He alone has complete, unlimited, all-encompassing power. In fact, God always intended to send his Son to live with us and to raise us up to his presence.
God's intention didn't change when we fell. The only change was that, once he came, the Son of God would sacrifice himself to restore our relationship with him. Having accomplished that on the cross, Jesus now continues to work tirelessly to bring God's full plan to completion.
As we continue to celebrate Jesus' birth during this Christmas season, we have every reason to rejoice and give thanks, for we can see how God's plan has stood the test of time. We can even look back over our own lives and see how God's plan is unfolding for us!
May the remaining days of our celebration be filled with thanksgiving and glad song! May we all trust in God's goodness, even when we cannot perceive it. If God's deep love rushed forward to meet our need more than two thousand years ago, how will it not do so again? So wait for him. Wait confidently, joyfully, for the One who is your help and salvation. Know that you are blessed, just as Mary was, for believing that God's plans will be fulfilled (Luke 1:45).
Let's allow the Lord's plan to continue to unfold for us, as we draw ever closer to Him. Let our hearts rejoice as we pray: "Dear Lord, I believe you want to enjoy a close, intimate relationship with me. Help me to understand more deeply your eternal plan for your people. Let me hear your voice, know your forgiveness, and experience more deeply your love and compassion for me. Amen"
[Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.]
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1.Take a few minutes to pray and reflect on the Scriptures at the beginning of the article. What message do they convey to you?
2.Take a few minutes to pray and reflect on the various aspects of the Lord's plan that are described in the article. What do you think the Lord is trying to reveal to you about his plan?
3.What specific steps can you take during the remaining days of the Christmas season to deepen your relationship with the Lord?
4.If you are in a men's group, end your meeting by praying together the prayer at the end of the article, and continue praying for one another that each of you would come to know and experience more deeply the Lord's love for you.
