What is the master plan?
Obviously, I had to look it up and two definitions caught my eye. The Oxford
Dictionary defines this as “a comprehensive or far-reaching
plan of action.” An extra internet
source referred to it as “a comprehensive long range plan intended to
guide growth and development.” Both definitions point out the fact that a
master plan possesses one key attribute: comprehensiveness. In other words, everything needed to make your plan achievable must be well
thought out and rock-solid so that you can “guide” your growth pattern. In
architecture, this master plan refers to drawings of a project to be embarked
upon. Let’s stop here for a minute. If you've seen the topic,
you will know it is the master plan,
not a master plan. This only makes me
understand that there is one other type of master plan that surpasses every other in importance. Why else would we call it “the” master plan?
God makes this plan for everyone. It
is no less comprehensive than man’s plan. In fact, it is the most comprehensive
of them all. It takes both the “seen” and the “unseen” into consideration. That
is God’s blueprint for your life, for a country, for the world. Why don’t we
look at a typical example of how God’s majestic plan was accomplished through
the life of one man – Johannes Gutenberg (1400-1468).
At the end of the 20th century, this German-born blacksmith, who
lived in the 15th century, was named The Most Important Man of The
Millennium. Well, this was because he invented the printing press.
Johannes Gutenberg was a lover of
books and sculpture. Above all, he just loved God. Everything he read seemed to
lead him back to God. He decided to travel to learn more from foreign lands –
Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Holland. On one of such days, his close friend
came to him with “a piece of wood that had letters carved on it;” the wood was
wrapped in a parchment. Unknown to him, the little sap still in the wood had
hardened and taken the shape of some of the letters on the parchment.
Gutenberg was struck with the idea of
a printing press immediately. It was said of him that this inspiration “flashed
into his heart and mind with the force of lightening.” When asked why he wanted
to pursue the idea, he simply said, “Through it God will spread His Word. A
spring of pure truth shall flow from it! Like a new star, it shall scatter the
darkness of ignorance, and cause a light hitherto unknown to shine among men.”
After many years, and resources, he succeeded. It was not a surprise when he
decided to publish the bible. The Gutenberg Bible, as it was named, remains the
first book ever published, with only 50 copies alive today. Though many tried
to steal his invention, he was not moved and remained a good Christian till the
end of his life. His singular action made the bible and other Christian
materials cheaper to purchase – prices of good volumes of books went down from
100 pieces of gold (equivalent to at least $8,000 today) to 4 pieces for one
(about $320). Apart from this, Gutenberg’s invention played a great role in the
rise and success of the Protestant Reformation headed by notable names such as
Martin Luther, William Tyndale and John Calvin. This remarkable movement
spawned a new era in Christianity a mere 60 years after his death. It was said
that “Gutenberg’s invention enabled multiplied millions to discover for
themselves great literature and, most importantly, the Word of God.
That’s just Gutenberg. What of you?
Never think that a singular action of yours is just one out of a million
inconsequential actions dying unheard. The Master Plan of God is infallible. He
knows everything you are and can ever possibly be. Is it not surprising how one
action or inaction, one decision, one show of faith or lack thereof could shake
the earth to the very foundation? Gutenberg lives on today in your bible. Every
time you pick it up, He is remembered and his legacy is revitalized. Are you in
a dilemma? Why not go to the one who has the plan meant to guide your steady
progress? There is only so much we can do by ourselves; any attempt to go
through this life alone would surely be difficulty.
I know God has my Master Plan, a comprehensive plan of all I am and all He will
make me. Do you believe He has the same plan for you? If so, never be
discouraged by circumstances surrounding you because it is always a part of the
plan. Who knows the revolution you and I could spark and be remembered for if only
we heed to His Master Plan? Isn't it possible our decision to align ourselves
with God’s plan today could make us the most important set of people in the
next hundred, no, thousand years?! I will leave you to ponder on these. However,
you must know that He has assured us He has just good intentions for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells me this: “I know what I am doing. I have it all planned
out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future
you hope for” (MSG). I am sure there are countless Gutenbergs reading this right now. May you walk in the fullness and reality of your Heavenly Father's plan for you.
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