Ever had a massive project you thought might never end?
In March 2016, I first preached on the mysteries of God. I had no idea it was the start of a colossal project, at least from my perspective.
A lot has changed in four years. In that first sermon, I thought there were only 10 mysteries in the New Testament. Now I see 12. What began as one simple sermon, one out of over 100 per year in my pastoral ministry, has grown into a nearly 220,000 word manuscript, with 14 chapters, 2 appendixes, over 1,000 footnotes, 200 works cited, an index, 26 Figures, and more. To offer some perspective, my first book from 2019 was 40,000 words. This 2021 manuscript is over five times the 2019 project. Mercy! The Holy Spirit has taken me deeper into this subject than I thought possible.
"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:10
My tentative title for this new book is God's Finished Mystery: 12 Bible-Defined Mysteries Revealed.
I heard author Jerry Jenkins say something to the effect, "You know your project is legitimate if it keeps getting bigger each time you talk about it." That's exactly what happened to me when I began thinking about writing this current book.
In December 2019, I officially began writing this manuscript, and finished the rough draft in September 2020.
At the current date, January 2021, I'm nearly 60% complete with the final draft. I can see the finish line. Hope has filled my heart. I can see the end in sight. Yes, if 2020 eventually came to an end, so will this colossal project.
Just as God promised to finish His sanctifying work in me--Philippians 1:6 says we're confident God will finish the "good work" He's started in our lives--I'm trusting Him to help me finish this new book.
~Pastor Jesse Smith
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