God At Work

By Joe Slater       Road signs used to urge is to reduce our speed in construction zones: “Slow! Men At Work!” Political correctness forbids such gender-specific signs nowadays, but using “slow” to describe the men instead of our driving (several men leaning on their shovels while one actually works) still brings a smile to our face.     Usually, we can perceive when men are working. But what about God? Yes, God works! He worked in the six creation days, though no human was there to observe it (Genesis 1). He works in sustaining His creation (Hebrews 1:3). Our five senses don’t perceive that either.     God works when a sinner obeys the gospel, being “buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:13). That’s a spiritual operation not seen by eyes of flesh.     Does God continue to work in lives after we become Christians? “It is God who works in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Once again, His working may not be outwardly obvious.     Sometimes we might think God is slow in His work. Job suffered at great length before God delivered him. Joseph spent many years as a slave and a prisoner before God exalted him as governor of Egypt. But be assured, God knows exactly what He is doing, and His timing is always impeccable. He always acts in our best interest! “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com