“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor

“God continues to work miracles in my life.” – Willie Aames

“God has a way of working things out according to His will.” – Shana Burton

“It will all work out in the end.  You must keep faith in yourself and leave the rest to God.” – Leon Brown

A few years back, I contacted a great friend of mine and shared some things I was facing at the time.  His advice was always sound and to no surprise, he asked a question that targeted the very center of the issue I was struggling with

“I wonder what God is working out?”

As I read his e-mail response to me, this question acted like a clanging cymbal – waking me up to the heart of any difficult problem or tremendous blessing I encounter.  What is God up to?  What is He working out through these circumstances?

Like many of us, I fell into the trap of fretting and hand-wringing – too focused on my own reaction to the issue and too bogged down by attitudes of worry and self-pity.  I placed all my emphasis on how enormous my problems seemed instead of focusing on how large my God was, and the almighty power found within His sovereignty.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 NIV

Why is it that we doubt God’s power or his constant involvement within our circumstances?

Many people believe that God’s power is limited here on earth.  They believe God is bound by human choice and free-will.  Their argument is that God created man with the ability to choose, thus; He cannot intervene or interfere with those choices.

Some believe that God’s power is subject to the natural laws He established when creating the world.  This belief is the foundation behind explaining natural disasters that occur like hurricanes or tsunamis – randomly killing thousands of innocent people.  In essence, they believe that since God doesn’t intervene to stop the slaughter of innocent lives, He must not have the power to do so.

When you think about it, if these beliefs are true, then God isn’t really God.  If God cannot stop a hurricane or tornado due to His inability to control natural laws, then these natural laws must control God.  If God cannot intervene in human choice, then God is subject to human beings – reacting to our choices the best He can.

My friend’s question, “I wonder what God is working out?” is not only Biblically accurate, but it’s a tremendous statement of faith!

“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?” – Lamentations 3:37 NIV

“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets”.  – Psalms 50:1 NIV

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.  I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.  From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.  What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.”  – Isaiah 46:9-11 NIV

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  – Romans 8:28 NIV

“I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”  – Isaiah 45:7 NIV

These are only a few of the many scriptures that speak to God’s sovereignty over all things.  Fate doesn’t drive our circumstances – nor do the evil choices of others.  Blessings in our life aren’t a result of our own hard work and effort – nor do they materialize out of luck or good fortune.  God is constantly at work in each of our lives.  His sovereign rule reigns over every event and circumstance of life.

So, when we face ANY issue, blessing or hardship, we can have unwavering confidence that God is working something out, and for those of us who love God, He is working something out for our good!  

What is God up to in your life?  Do you see Him in your recent job promotion or the issues you are facing with your health right now?  Do you believe He is in the middle of your painful disappointment or has played a role in a newfound friendship?  Are you confident He is at the heart of an unfortunate accident or an unexpected blessing?  Do you see Him in each school event, in every work situation or in all of your personal interactions?

Whatever you’re currently facing, I wonder what God is working out?

It’s my prayer tonight that this question awakens your senses to God’s sovereignty in all aspects of life – just like it did for me.  I pray that it brings you peace and comfort – knowing that all you encounter is given or allowed by a loving Father – busy working for your good and well-being.

God bless!