God

What is God doing?

“Personally, I’m just learning to be OK with who he has created me to be!”

What is God doing?

“I’m being patient right now, trying to figure out God’s will.”

What is God doing?

“We just had a really awesome (youth service, mission trip, worship experience)”

What is God doing?

“Huh?”

It has been difficult to receive a straight answer to this question. From the information I have gathered, I know what we are doing. It has been implied that God’s will is somehow elusive. I’ve discovered that God only manifests himself in the pre-fabricated works of man. Thankfully, those that are openly confused do not feel compelled to offer the Sunday School answer.

What is God doing?

During the last “worship service” I attended, a thousand young people blankly stared forward while a truly talented band led them in worship. Afterwards, a truly talented communicator shared a personal story on a big screen.

What is God doing?

A house church bent on creating community is taking community lessons from a group of anarchists -- maybe growing a community garden is the answer. They’ve been to Rob Bell seminars, read every copy of Relevant magazine, and share meals together every week. They recognize the spiritual bondage of various members of the group, and resign to working through it with community…the same kind of community that any unbeliever could find in a coffeehouse, bar, or sports venue across America.

What is God doing?

Never before have I seen so many people leave the professional ministry. Most of them are wandering in blue-collar jobs, wondering what God’s will for them is. Their vast ministry experience does not prepare them for interacting with their co-workers. There are no productions, no heroism, no playing pastor. Just them and the lost. Some will jump back into paid ministry because they don’t know what else to do. Some will simply lose their passion for the call.

What is God doing?

Thousands of kids across America are struggling to understand why they live their faith from event to event, camp to camp. The power of God was so evident in August and December, but everything they committed during the call has come unglued. They have returned to the secret sin they confessed and have clung to the idols they submitted. The extra Bible study, the accountability group, and the counseling sessions haven’t helped. They learn to cope…it’s not easy, but maybe the next commitment will actually stick.

What is God doing?

We have experienced the security of salvation, but the security of life has been difficult. Gas has become expensive. Our political system looks like a complete wash. We would do the one thing that God has laid on our heart since his initial call, but our ducks aren’t in a row. Isn’t that how God works: he sets up the perfect situation to walk into without risk or sacrifice?

What is God doing?

Because the question is not, “What are we doing to earn his favor?” Our private disciplines, no matter how foundational and necessary, are not answering the question of what God is doing. Neither is the question, “What ministry stories do you have?” Many of us have been trained and skilled in preparing the perfect sermon, setting up the perfect illustration, or knowing what will elicit a response from our people.

Have you ever thought to ask:

What is God doing?
…who executes the justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry, the Lord sets the prisoners free. (Psalm 146:7)

Is this not the fast that I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6)

As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. (Zechariah 9:11)

Truly, truly, I say to you everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:34-36)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
What is God doing?

The same thing God has been doing since we became enslaved by sin. He is setting the captives free! Are you living in freedom? Are you reconciling your fellow man to God by the authority Christ has given us? (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 5) Are you aware of the spiritual realm; are you fighting in the battle or coping with resources of the flesh? Do you regularly experience the power of the Holy Spirit?

Anybody, anywhere…What is God doing?

2 comments:

Michael said...

Tearing down lies in my mind one painful piece at a time.

Valerie said...

What is God doing?

God is using a little bit of me to reach his beloved, by bringing his bride into my life at just the right time. And then working in spite of my failures in that interaction, to work in her heart and her mind of his own accord, bringing significant transformation. He's reminding me of the spiritual realm. Now if only he'd also transform my heart to really care about and pray for her. Thanks God, for letting me see a little reminder of what you are doing.