Behind the Scenes

I've written before about roadblocks and setbacks and whatnot, and here I am once again fighting off a bug and telling you about it. It's normal to catch a cold, and I'm not really complaining, but it did cause me to think about God and His ongoing work in our lives. And that's why I felt it worth sharing.

In short, I had to realize that God is able to do more in my sick days than I am on my most productive days. Behind the scenes, He is doing more than we can ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

There's so much to do, so much to be done, and I'm stuck inside feeling sorry for myself. Yet all the while, God is still working, still bringing about His purpose in my life. I don't get it, but I know it's true.

I'm not shirking responsibility, mind you, just recognizing that unless God builds it, we labor in vain (Ps. 127:1).

In verse 2 of Psalm 127, there is an interesting phrase: "...For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep."

In other words, while recognizing our role in the work, we also recognize it is God who provides.

I admit, I feel bad because my mild and short-lived illness is not exactly a major setback in life, contrasted with much more severe issues.

Of course, many times the setbacks are more serious than bacteria. We do all have our thorns in the flesh, and they typically are worse than a small cold. This "bug" really is just a springboard for discussion, I hope that's understood.

It's hard to recognize that even with those thorns in mind, God is still working, still providing, still doing His work in us and in our lives. Oftentimes it seems it is in spite of us; well, I know that's the case for me anyway.

So maybe this is sort of a rehash of a previous post, but the truth in Scripture still stands. I'm not sure what setback you might be experiencing, and I by no means want to diminish it. But I do want to help point your eyes to the one who is still working even when you're struggling.

An excuse? Not at all. A truth to encourage you? I sure hope so.

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