Seven years ago, Connie and I had our minds set on retiring—not from ministry but from occupational ministry. However, that wasn’t what God had in mind, although He never told us until a council election was held. Perhaps you thought you would marry someone different than you married, but that relationship melted away before the vows were exchanged. Do you wonder where you might end up ten years from now? What seems like a simple daily decision can later end up being a decision that changes the course of your future. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death (Proverbs 14:12, ESV).
A young Israeli (Daniel) was literally taken east to the city of Babylon as a captive. There the people worshipped a different god than he worshipped. They worshipped Mardook. Because he was gifted with wisdom above his years, the Babylonian king appointed him chief governor of the city of Babylon. While there, he developed a reputation in his generation for worshipping Jehovah God and was able to influence some Babylonians to also worship Jehovah.
Fast forward in the Bible to when Jesus was born. About that time some wise men [astronomers] from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2, NLT2). They had found in their records a prophecy that had been left by Daniel. Do you think Daniel imagined what influence he left would later motivate men to take a journey that would lead them to encounter God’s Son? I highly doubt it. He simply followed the gentle voice whispering deep within his heart. Do you think the astronomers centuries later imagined that their career might lead them to encounter Jesus? I highly doubt it. They simply followed what intuitively seemed the right thing to do. It is fascinating to think the Bible refers to that same gentle leading as the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future (John 16:13, NLT).
God’s timing is not like ours. He works in the background, so when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman (Galatians 4:4, NLT2). You see, 1,000 years earlier there was no common language that would enable many nationalities to hear about Jesus. But providentially through the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greek language was introduced as the common international language of that time. There were also pirates on the seas and a very poor road system 1,000 years earlier. Limited travel meant few people would hear the truths Jesus would teach. In preparation for His time, He orchestrated for the Roman Emperor Augustus to bring peace to this vast area while the Roman navy swept pirates off the seas making maritime commerce and travel safe. Plus, for commerce purposes, in the 2nd century B.C. the Romans began establishing 50,000 miles of well-built roads that God ordained for His agenda.
God knew when the world was ready for His truth to march on (Galatians 4:4). The fascinating part is selfish, godless men were involved; God used their selfishness to bring about His plan—even when the person He used never came to know Him in a personal way! His truth marches on no matter what!
Our God has a perfect plan and time to use each of us in His incredible plan. My role won’t be as dramatic as Daniel’s, but however obscure, it will be something that I need to do. Only God knows what my part will play in the future of His kingdom. The very same thing is true for you. The only way you can come to see the eternal good your word, your deed or attitude will have in the future is by being careful to do exactly what Jesus said, ‘… you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength’ (Mark 12:30, NLT). Today’s small decision can determine your tomorrow and that of many others you won’t meet until you are in Heaven with Christ. Isn’t there a strong desire within you to say or do just the right thing, so His plan will be perfectly fulfilled?