Last week, we pondered the wonder of the incarnation. This week, we’re adding a new word: IMMINENT
Imminent: ready to take place; happening soon
From the beginning of time, the incarnation was imminent.
Although Jesus’ coming was imminent, it took a while to come to pass. Clearly our definition of “soon” and God’s definition are two different things! Along the way there were seasons, sometimes long seasons, where God was quiet.
But that didn’t mean He wasn’t working.
It didn’t mean His plan changed.
It didn’t mean we were too far gone for His help.
Because the fulfillment of His word was always imminent.
That’s still true today. The incarnation was always imminent. But could it be that the revelation of His incarnational presence in us is also IMMINENT?
About a year and a half ago, I was sitting in worship one day when the Lord spoke to me very clearly. He said:
Sometimes the impossible isn’t just possible, it is imminent.
It was a very personal encouragement to me at the time. But I knew it was for a lot of other people as well, so I released it in a couple of ways including this blog. What I don’t think I realized at the time was that God’s application of the word was a whole lot bigger and broader than anything I originally thought.
In the time before Jesus was born, the world was dark. Even though they knew the prophecies, I’m sure a lot of people were discouraged. I’m sure a lot of people had stopped looking for the Messiah. It’s pretty dang dark in the world right now, too. A lot of people have grown discouraged and have stopped looking for Him to intervene. A lot of folks have concluded that we must have missed our opportunity, or that we are too far gone for Him to save us.
But what if this is just the dark before the dawn? What if, in the dark of night, God is still working?
What if His plan is imminent?
Sometimes the timing and fulfillment of God’s promises are dependent upon our partnership and cooperation. But some things are just dependent on Him.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have a role. If we want to be a part of what God is doing, we still need to say yes. We still need to show up. We still need to stand. But hear me clearly, this is NOT about praying harder. Or fasting longer. Or speaking up more often. Or doing a hundred and one other things to prove our faithfulness to God.
This is about God being God.
When Jesus came the first time, the words from the beloved Christmas song “O’ Holy Night” truly applied:
“Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
I’m thinking the world could use another “thrill of hope” right about now. I also think Him bursting into our world to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” is, well…
IMMINENT.
Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth and then not deliver it?” asks the LORD. “No! I would never keep this nation from being born,” says your God. – Isaiah 66:9 NLT
************
Cindy Powell 