God is at Work

I recently read through the Old Testament, and this theme is woven throughout - God is working when his people are faithful and he's working when they are not faithful. He works through good kings and he works through evil kings. He has a plan, and his plan will prevail. And he is patient. Ironically, we have ideas of how things should be from our very limited perspective, and we want them to be fulfilled...Right. Now. If events don't occur just as we believe they should, all is lost. Bless our hearts.

If we can just set aside our own vision of what outcomes will yield good things and what outcomes will lead to destruction, and trust our Father - who works for our good - we can rest from the worry and anxiety that this season tends to bring. Trust the one who sees the road ahead, who knows what we need (including how we need to be challenged), and who provides for us and protects us because he loves us more than we can imagine. He sees what we cannot; why wouldn't we want him to lead the way?

In Jeremiah 29:4-7 God told the Israelites through his prophet, that they would be exiled for 70 years. He said, "Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food...Marry and have children...And work for peace and prosperity in the city where I sent you into exile." Live your life because whatever is going to happen, will happen. But in verse 11 he also says, "For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Whatever happens today and in the coming days, God will still be in control. God will still have good plans for us. Second Thessalonians 1:11 tells us to live a life worthy of his call. I encourage you to rest in him today, trust him today and focus on living a life worthy of his call, regardless of the circumstances. God is sovereign. His will be done.