God is (still) at work in you

Romans 8:28–30: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”  

The headlines have come crashing into all of our lives this past week. What started across the world has invaded our homes, relationships, work and worship. In this overwhelming tidal wave of implications, don’t lose sight of a precious truth:

Child of God, God is still at work in you.

One awe inspiring truth about God is that he never misses a detail. It’s impossible for him. Even as he works in the broadest strokes, broad enough to bring down nations, he never loses sight of you.

In the depth of his sovereignty, not only does he not lose sight of you, but he is actively pursuing his plans for you. You are not caught up in the devastating aftertow of God’s work—cosmic collateral damage lying broken on the stage of world history. If you are God’s blood-bought child, then right now he desires to conform you more and more to the image of his Son.

What is God doing in your life? 

By faith we know he is at work in us, but what does he specifically call us to? The answers are found in our temptations and trials, in our neighbor and in our world.

Are you plagued with anxiety right now? Are the headlines crushing you? Perhaps your own life buries you in worry without even looking at the headlines. In this season of anxiety, the Lord calls you to a new depth of trust. Trust in his goodness, trust in his plans (Matt. 5:25-33). He wants to strengthen your faith through the furnace of this world (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Are you suffering right now? Have you been laid off? Does your health put you at great risk such that you don’t know how to take care of your own needs? Please, do not suffer silent and alone. If you are in need, please reach out to someone in your church family or another brother/sister that you trust. We are not meant to live this life alone; God designed us to live in fellowship (Eccl. 4:9-12). Please, reach out.

Is your neighbor suffering right now? Do they lack the foundation of faith to stand in this season? Do they lack something of the world’s necessities? In this season of their need, the Lord has vital Gospel work for you to do. Please stay in touch with loved ones and lonely ones alike. Your testimony is a shining light in a dark world (Matt. 5:16) and your neighbor needs you (Gal. 6:9-10). Even more, consider that many without Christ are thinking about death right now and they are not equipped for it. They need the grace that you have received, they need the comfort that you know. They need Jesus Christ— and who will share the good news if it’s not you? 

Is this world overwhelming your decision making? Does the complexity of our world’s issues stump you? God calls his people to wisdom. We have in the Scriptures an overflowing fountain of wisdom. The question is usually whether we will take the time to drink. Seek the wisdom of God in his Word, nothing in this world compares with God’s wisdom (Prov 3:13-15). Still stumped? Seek Godly counsel from a brother or sister (Prov 15:22), submit your thinking to others and seek God’s wisdom together. 

All of these are just examples and your specifics will vary widely one from another. The overarching truth remains this: God is still at work in you. This time of trial is meant for your blessing and transformation. So take the time to take hold of God’s blessings. Ask yourself today (and every other day): 

What is God doing in my life?