AT WORK
So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. - John 5:16-18
From Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries Daily Devotion:
How do we know the Lord is at work? Sometimes we see a dramatic display like the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites. Other times it seems God isn’t doing anything, as when Jesus delayed visiting Mary and Martha’s sick brother (John 11:3-6).
Our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and handiwork. But discerning God’s work also requires patience since the Lord operates according to His timetable, not ours. Remember, before Sarah conceived the child promised by God, Abraham had to wait until he and his wife were beyond childbearing years.
I believe you will discover that the Lord’s efforts are worth the wait. Hannah was overjoyed when she finally bore a child (1 Samuel 1:27-28, 1 Samuel 2:1). And only after being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned was Joseph eventually elevated to a position of authority to help his family.
Jesus told the disciples that His Father was always at work and so was He. When we recognize the ways in which God is operating, we will be encouraged and strengthened in our faith.
Spiritual Practice:
Reflect on the events we are in the middle of, and look for God’s moving and working in it. Think of this quarantine thing as a unique opportunity to ask God…what if.
What if…. you saw this as a glorious opportunity to rest, recover and reconsider?
What if….. this is the answer to the prayers you’ve been praying? those little I wish I could prayers…I wish I could…
· Take a sabbatical and write
· Try out homeschooling but I’ve been too afraid
· Apply for a new job….you now have some extra time to create a resume and create a new life for yourself
· Start building an online business
· Rest
· Journal more
· Heal
· Create some art
· Read my Bible more .............The list goes on doesn’t it?
Has God answered any of your secret prayers because of COVID-19?
What if, this is actually for my good and You have something beautiful for me in these next few weeks that I don’t want to miss?
Jesus and the Father are at work. Can you perceive it? Go to Him and thank Him for all that He is doing and how He is working in your life, even now.
-- Gina Rivera, Certified Lay Minister
