A Long Time Ago

I was sorting through old blog posts. There are nearly 200 of them! But I wanted to sort by date. I clicked on the tab, “Date Modified,” and these were the options given to sort by.

• A Long Time Ago
• Earlier This Year
• Last Week
• Earlier This Week
• Yesterday
• Select a Date or a Date Range

A long time ago was the one that surprised me. The documents on my computer aren’t that old! Even if I had kept the very first document I typed and saved on a computer, it would only be 25 years old or so. That doesn’t constitute a long time ago for me.

However, I can find examples of “a long time ago” is in God’s Word. 2 Timothy 1:8b-10a (NIV) says, “…join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus…”

Before the beginning of time God had a plan for mankind. He purposed then to show grace to us. He lavished grace upon us long before we were born. That was a long time ago.

We see more evidence of God’s plan in Titus. “…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.” (Titus 1:2-3 – NIV)

In this passage we see that God promised our hope before the beginning of time. This verse also shows that at specific times throughout history, God revealed His Word to mankind.

At first they were glimpses, prophecies of the coming Messiah. Then at the appointed time, The Word was introduced. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and God’s plan, designed before the beginning of time, was set into motion.

There is an interesting verse in Isaiah that shows how God views time. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10 – NIV)

For God, it doesn’t matter what time it is. It doesn’t matter where that event takes place in all of time. God’s purpose stands the test of time. His plan negates time. From the beginning to the end, long before and long after, God is. He said it best. I AM.

God had us in mind before time began. It was His desire for us to part of His plan. David knew this to be true and stated, “My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:15a – NIV) For the short time we are on this earth, God is holding the events and circumstances of our lives in His hands.

God’s hands will protect, cover, and comfort during the darkest times of our lives. They will show love, caress, and acknowledge existence during the loneliest times of our lives. They will invigorate, rejuvenate, and produce fruit during the unproductive times of our lives. God’s hands will invite laughter, bring joy, and perhaps tickle during the happiest times of our lives.

And He prepared to do so…a long time ago.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna