As we celebrated Easter this past week, my daughter shared a song with me called “I’m Alive” by Rich Tolbert, Jr. It is a simple song with a simple message.
God knows the plans He has for me. He knows the thoughts He thinks toward me, And nothing is an accident. I'm alive because there's more.
I became fixated on the phrase “because there’s more.” This may sound a bit morbid, but I grew up around death. My father was a funeral home director, and our residence was connected to the funeral home. I was never afraid as some might expect. My dad once told me not to fear; it was the live ones we had to be worried about! Nevertheless, I learned early on that death was a part of life and death was no respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter our age, upbringing, health, or wealth—death comes to all of us. It is all part of God’s plan.
You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live and we are not given a minute longer. Job 14:15
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16
It is pretty obvious God has a plan. Aren’t you glad we don’t have to live in a sinful world forever? Because of God’s grace, we have a better home to look forward to! However, if you and I are still here, there must be a reason. Could it be because there is more? I certainly believe so!
God is not a God of chaos. This was clearly demonstrated from the beginning in creation. God is a planner, and the good news is His plans are always for our benefit. Given what many of us have experienced this past year, this may be a bit hard to swallow. I’m here to tell you regardless of what you have been through or how discouraged you have become, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God has not abandoned you.
The message of encouragement Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylon is a message for us today.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
It is important to understand the context in which this verse was written. God used Babylon as His agent of judgment against Israel for their sins of idolatry and rebellion against Him. Nebuchadnezzar would lead his armies against Judah until they laid siege to Jerusalem for over a year, killing many people, destroying the Jewish temple, taking captive many thousands of Jews, and leaving Jerusalem in ruins. The exile would last 70 years! I’m sure many of these people felt abandoned and lost hope. They probably wondered, “Why am I still here?” Could it be because there was more? God’s message to them was a resounding “Yes! My plan for you is good!”
I wished I could say this same message is for everyone, but it isn’t. It is only for those who are in Christ—those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. For believers, God has promised that our sins are forgiven and we stand before God justified. God has plans for those in Christ, and those plans are good!
God knows the plans He has for me. He knows the thoughts He thinks toward me, And nothing is an accident. I'm alive because there's more.
You are not here by accident. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, trainer, or support staff member, you are significant to the Kingdom of God. You may not feel important, but God’s Word says differently.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
You are alive today because there is more! There is more for you to do—more children for you to impact, more colleagues for you to encourage, and more people to introduce to Jesus. There is more!
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
If you are struggling with your “why” right now, it’s okay. Hold onto God’s promises. Trust that He loves you and desires your best. Take it one day at a time as you pray and seek His purposes for your life. You are not an accident. You are alive...because there’s more!
Take a moment and listen to the song “I’m Alive.” You will be blessed!