When The Lord Works

September 2015 – Grace & Truth Magazine

When The Lord Works

I think that all believers are excited when they see evidence of the Lord’s working, whether in their own lives or those of others – maybe even to the extent of affecting a nation! Considering the chasing after sin and abandonment of God today, we may question whether the national aspect is even possible now. But, I am reminded of a verse from Isaiah: “Behold, the L ORD ’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (59:1 NKJV ). Sin has caused separation, but an answer is found in the Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us go to Him in prayer, seeking His hand in our lives and failings, the concerns we have about others and the matters that trouble us as to the country in which we live. And, remember to do so “with thanksgiving” (Phil. 4:6). He is able!

The story about King Josiah’s life, found in the Old Testament, is one in which we see the Lord working in tremendous ways. Of course the Bible is filled with examples of His working in people’s lives, even as He does so today. Josiah wasn’t perfect, something we see vividly at the end of his life and which reminds us once again of the importance of finishing well. But in the story we see how the LORD was working in Josiah’s life from his childhood, through his teenage years and into adulthood. For myself, I take encouragement in this example as I am reminded that He is still working with me. I am happy to know and see that the Lord is also impacting individuals I love for Himself. As to such individuals, a co-worker recently encouraged me with this verse: “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” (Phil. 1:6).

As we move on from day to day, let us not give up or become cool to the things of the Lord. “Yes ... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ... Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:12-15).

By Paul Alberts