14
Jul '25
God’s Big Beautiful Plan
14
Jul '25
Introduction: Did you know that God has a “Big Beautiful Plan”? Well, what is it? It is called His Will. While there are clearly numerous Scriptures that pertain to the Will of God, this devotion will consider just one that can be practiced every day.
First, consider the background of the text. Paul is incarcerated awaiting martyrdom. However, he is not SAD or MAD but GLAD! Why? Because he knows where he is going. But meanwhile, he is being used of God the Holy Spirit to encourage believers while warning unbelievers.
The Church of Philippi is on his radar. Because he has had an encounter with Jesus Christ, he loves the Church. In turn, the Church loves him. So, among other insights into the Will of God in this letter, he mentions these keys to staying fulfilled and happy in the Lord.
1. God’s Big Beautiful Plan for a happy life! (Phil. 4:4) – “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
If most of us were writing this, we would probably say, “Rejoice in the Lord, sometimes…” Right? Or better yet, we would say, “Rejoice in the Lord when you feel like it”! Or what about, “Rejoice in the Lord when things are going good”!
But the thought to “Rejoice in the Lord always” is somewhat foreign. Hopefully, you did not miss the key words “in the Lord”. You may ask, what is so significant about that? The answer is because if we do not put the Lord in the equation, then it doesn’t make sense to “Rejoice” when trouble comes. However, once we discover that the God of the Bible is SOVEREIGN, then it becomes a “game changer”! Therefore, we can “Rejoice”!!
Are you REJOICING? By the way, the word “rejoice” is χαίρω, which means to be “cheerful or calmly happy or even well-off.” Can you be cheerful no matter what? But how? That leads us to the second truth of God’s Big Beautiful Plan.
2. God’s Big Beautiful Plan for a prepared life! (Phil. 4:5) – “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Did you catch the word “moderation”? What does it mean? It is the word ἐπιεικής, which means gentle or patient. Are you known as a person who has a gentle spirit? Patient? Please tie the two verses together. There is room for “Rejoicing” constantly and patiently because Jesus is coming soon.
Did you notice the phrase “The Lord is near”? Most scholars agree that this is in reference to the RAPTURE.
Conclusion: Have you gotten in on God’s Big Beautiful Plan? Remember, it is twofold. First, the key to a HAPPY life! Secondly, the key to a PREPARED life!!
So REJOICE and be PATIENT because Jesus will return for us.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese