May 2022
He is just Getting Started
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
I trust everyone was encouraged during the celebration of Easter and enjoyed their time with family and friends. Recently, I ran across a quote by an unknown author that said, “Jesus didn’t say, ‘I am finished.’ He said, ‘It is finished.’ He was just getting started.” This quote has stuck with me over the last month. It is amazing how two small words can completely change the application of the story. Found in John 19:30, the quote is referring to some of the final words of Jesus before His death on the cross, “It is finished.” While the Easter season is always a reminder of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, it is important to remember that God is not finished. He is still at work in each of our lives.
So much of what we accomplish in life is credited to our own ability, work, and decisions. However, have you ever taken the time to think about where God may have had a hand in your crisis or success? I was conversing with some family members about a recent accident. As we were reflecting on the circumstances before, during and after the event, we could easily identify many, seemingly unexplainable, things that occurred in our favor. It became very evident that God was at work and provided protection, resources, healing, and strength. While this is one example of God’s handiwork, I could share story after story of how stressful and painful times eventually worked out for good. The principle behind these experiences is rooted in Romans 8:28 NLT which says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
People that consistently demonstrate hard work, commitment and integrity tend to experience success at some level. However, we should never discredit the work and favor of God in our lives. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul talks about God’s love for us and His ultimate desire for our life. Ephesians 3:18-20 NLT says, “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” To further put things in perspective, the Apostle Paul wrote this passage while in prison. One may struggle to understand how Paul could have the mental wherewithal to encourage people when he was in the middle of his own crisis. The answer is that Paul was practicing what he was preaching. Paul had faith that God was in control and in His timing would work things out for good.
While we should never forget the sacrifice made for each of us on the cross, we should be encouraged to know that God was just getting started! His love for us can create an unexplainable fullness in life that works out even the craziest moments for good. No one ever promised that things would be easy, but it is comforting to know that we have an Advocate capable of providing more than we might ask or think!
Challenge: Demonstrate your love for God by working hard, staying committed to your purpose, and operating with integrity. Stay strong in your faith during the difficult times and be mindful that God is still working on your behalf. Tap into the power of God’s love and enjoy the fullness of life that only He can provide.
Published: May 1, 2022
