Taking It to Work:
It seems that wherever we are in life, we think we’ll be there forever. We all know that not to be true, but especially when caught in tough moments, or maybe tough years, it can seem very permanent.
We need to keep in mind the bigger picture of God the Father moving us along a path, a path in which He is totally familiar with already. Every trial, every difficulty, every twist and turn, He is the Lord and author of them all. This might tempt you to be angry at God sometimes, but in reality, this should give great solace. Solace will come only if your faith is strong enough in the rough times to believe that it is all true, that He is with you, that He knows every next move, and His reasons for the suffering are for a good that we sometimes can’t imagine.
We often think of God directing the overall affairs of the world, the big picture of how all this craziness is going to come together for His purposes and people, but His providence also applies personally. Each of us have different paths laid out for us. Some are extremely difficult, some relatively easy, some long, and some questionably short. All of them are personally specific to who He has created us to be, who we are to become, and how we fit in to His bigger picture.
The trials at work, the direction He has led us on our careers, the path He has taken us down in life, all are known, and all are perfectly interwoven in His plan. We still make our choices, but to a God who knew every choice we would ever make beforehand, it is easy for Him to make all things, including our bad choices, the bad choices of others, and the whole worldwide spectrum of suffering and blessing, work together for good for those who love Him and are called to His ultimate purpose.
If that describes you, then you can have peace in your trials because you know He is with you, and will not leave you. Do the best job you can, making the best choices wherever you are. He will move you forward when the time is right. Trust in His love and providence through the trial, and in doing so, you will let His Word and His purpose work through you, today.
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) – The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Rom 8:28 (ESV) – 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.
Deut 31:8 (ESV) – It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
James 1:2-4 (ESV) – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
John 16:33 (ESV) – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2Cor 6:4-5 (ESV) – but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
The future is My own. Great are the plans that I lay out for My children. One step after another, you are given choices with each step, but I know your steps. I am there to meet you on the road, a road designed that you may know Me and serve Me. I see ahead and behind; I am not confused nor dismayed. From the beginning to the end I am pleased. Sin cries out to disturb your path, and it is met with My displeasure, but the overall plan creates blessing beyond what can be known. You are in a place fully known to Me, even before the beginning – a stepping stone as you cross to Eternity. Your workplace is not permanent, a training ground for where I will take you next. Serve there as you would serve Me. In due time you will make the choice that is already known and I will be there to meet you. I am ahead of you, behind you, and beside you. Fear not the next steps. Do well where you are, and it will serve a greater purpose as you continue to move along the path. Fear not the wind and the waves that may come. It is I who calls you through them.
