Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not be in haste. (Isaiah 28:16 KJ2000)

You and I have very little to do with the fulfillment of God’s plan.  God’s will will be done with or without you or me.  We have only to do that which God puts in our way or brings to our tent.  The many programs of churchianity, like the countless government handouts to the poor and otherwise, usually constitute only dead works.  Few actually produce a changed life, a life of repentance from sin and faith in God, in the “worthy” recipient.

“There is plenty of time.  You must not imagine that the result depends on you, or me.  The question is, are you having a hand in the work God is doing?  It shows no faith in God to make frantic efforts or lamentations.  God will do his work in his time in his way.  Our responsibility is merely to stand ready and available and to go where he sends and do what comes our way.”

(The Musician’s Quest, George MacDonald, ed. by Michael R. Phillips, Bethany House Pub., p. 229)