God is Working

Intro: As we look at what is happening in this nation and around the world we may be tempted to believe that God doesn't isn't working but God's word tells us the very opposite. God is working in us and for us through this unsettled time and at all times.

I. God is working to complete the good work He has started in our lives. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) ⁶  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
This is the mark of confidence in God's salvation. God will complete His good work in believers. That's His promise to His people. Confidence and assurance are two of the outstanding traits of genuine believers. The good work God has started refers to His salvation of our souls and His continued sanctification of believers. Do you realize that God is at work in your life? Paul in this scripture is describing the process of Christian growth and maturity that begins when people accept Jesus. God who began a good work of redemption in us will continue his work until it is finally finished when we believers meet Christ Jesus face to face. God works in us both to will and do His good pleasure. [Phil. 2:13] God will never stop working in our lives no matter what.                                                

II. God is working all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that (all) things work together for good to (those who love God,) to those who are (the called according to His purpose.) He didn't say all things are good but He is working all things together for our good. We tend to draw closer to God when things aren't going so good such as what we are going thru right now with this pandemic. As we do we are growing in our relationship with God. We are learning to trust and rely on Him more and more no matter the situation in life we might face.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” A person can make all the plans they want in this life but God directs their steps. If God is directing a Christian's steps then nothing can happen to him until God calls him home. These Scriptures should give us an incredible sense of assurance in God’s faithfulness toward us who believe. It should bring a certain level of hope and encouragement to our hearts. He is the good and faithful Shepherd of our lives, God will never leave us nor forsake us, He can be trusted through every circumstance. He is the one who began the good work in us and will carry it on to completion. Yes, even now in the midst of this pandemic in our nation or whatever trial we might be going thru, He is working all things together for our good, to conform us to the image of Christ. [Rom. 8:29] This is what God is working out, it's His goal for us!

III. God works through His word. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is (living )and (powerful), and (sharper than any two-edged sword), piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God's word separates a rebellious soul from an obedient spirit, a sinful soul from a righteous spirit. Our solid foundation is not based on the things of this earth. Most books may just sit on a shelf collecting dust, but the word of God vibrates with life. The Word of God is living and powerful, speaking truth into our lives, helping us establish a firm foundation to base our lives on while we go through life on this side of eternity. The word of God is active, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. The demands of the word of God require decisions. It guides our path in life. It is to be believed and obeyed above all other things we might read or hear. We not only listen to God's word, we let it shape our lives. Because the word of God is living and powerful, He uses it to accomplish His work in our lives for as long as we live on this earth. His word can be counted on when you can't count on anything else!

Conclusion: How should you respond to this truth? Begin to spend more of your time reading God's word and praying while you are staying in. Let to the Holy Spirit speak to you from God's word instead of the news report about how bad things are.

Invitation: Has God begun His good work in you? If not now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to to forgive you and save you for heaven and from hell. Don't delay! You may not have another opportunity like you have right now. As you give your life to Him He will complete His good work in you!