The word “work” usually implies a task or something that has to be done to accomplish a goal. Most of the time, though, we’re not exactly motivated to be task oriented. Or, to say the least, it’s not usually our first choice of activities. We, as humans, would rather spend our time doing whatever it is that brings us pleasure. But how many of us know that when we open the mailbox to a stack of bills staring at us, our motivation to get to work goes up? We like to eat. We like to have electricity. Our children need clothes. This need for currency certainly drives us. It’s not exactly a “want to” situation. It’s more like a “have to”. Even if you actually like what you do, it’s still work. Typically, it’s still not our first choice. 

We, as God’s children, are His first choice. And yes, we’re a lot of work. He does everything He lovingly does with us in mind. He will not be satisfied until we desire what He desires, love what He loves and operate in the giftings that He’s equipped us with to help others on their journey to our forever home. How do we accomplish this? We don’t. We submit ourselves to Him. We’re all part of His master plan and He’s working at all times. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬) He’s doing it! I don’t have to try to “work up” the ability to do what pleases Him. He’s making me desire that more and more as I walk closely with Him. 

Why is it so important that we want what He wants, you might ask? He wants whatever is very best for us. He says this about the matter. “Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) So many times when we think of “prosperity”, our minds go straight to finances. That’s part of it but God wants us to prosper mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially. He doesn’t want His children to lack in any area. “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬) He’s always working in us and around us to make sure we’re taken care of in every area of our lives. Even if you can’t see it, He’s working! “Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior, you work in mysterious ways.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We do have a part to play. We seek Him and He does the rest. Or, we do things our way and reap the results of someone struggling to stay afloat. We’re human. We grow tired and weary when we’re working all the time. God does not. “He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬) He doesn’t require sleep like we do. He stays on the job at all times. His task is love driven and He won’t stop until we’re with Him for eternity. “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Ahh! That’s His goal. He wants us to be more like Him and reflect Him to a broken world desperately looking for Truth and acceptance. 

It certainly sounds like there’s a lot of work to be done. One thing leads to another. God’s causing everything to come together. The more He works in us, the more He can use us to reach people who He loves and desires. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬) It’s a “good” work because the kingdom of darkness is being stripped of its power over people. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬) You can be certain, even when you’re sleeping, He’s always working.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.