What on Earth is God up to?
No matter what has happened in history, during some of our darkest hours, there is one truth that the bible shines a light on, God was aware and at work. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:28 when he states those beloved words “we know that all things work towards the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.” Paul did not write these words flippantly; he wrote them despite a lifetime of struggle and suffering. He too lived in a world that was dominated by disaster. His wisdom echoes through time and testifies to God’s ultimate heart for humanity. So, if Paul could see this it makes me wonder, what on Earth is God is up to in our world today?
It could be easy to get caught up in our current circumstances and find it impossible to move past the headlines. I think we have all been there.
While economies are crashing, and businesses are floundering, it appears the worst has come. The nations face an economic and health crisis that has ground the world to a halt. Yet, everywhere I look I see glimmers of hope that peek through. Coronavirus has brought disruption, but it has also offered opportunity. People are pivoting and from the chaos has come new ideas with creative solutions to current problems. Significant shifts in businesses are occurring, while new entrepreneurs are birthed. Potential that has been hidden is being unveiled because of this moment in history. As God’s people lean in, He is working this challenge out for good. The stretch of the season has heightened the ability of many to engage in business in a new way.
While society stops, we find ourselves spending more time at home than we have done for decades. Our busy agendas, and outward socialising, have been restrained. The pursuit of individual needs and fulfillment has been refocused as we work together - just to live together. This has been challenging for many; yet it also offers the time to build a richer family bond. When outer relationships are paused, we can work on our inner relationships. Instead of avoiding hurt or conflict by running away to work or another activity, we have the opportunity to pause and ask God to breakthrough barriers and bring down walls. This is a time to reconnect with those that mean the most. If you allow Him, God can use this time for good to heal and deepen your relationships.
While church buildings have been emptied, the church has multiplied. The breadth of sacred ground has globally grown in a matter of weeks. Christians have the opportunity to engage with God in a new way. Beyond the online services that we are privileged to access, our home has become our church. We are the leader and the congregant, the intercessor and the teacher, we are the pastor and the preacher. There is no one else to carry our faith for us. Imagine how much good God can do in us as He rekindles our love for Him in this new and intimate setting. It is often said that revival begins with us, I wonder how many fires are beginning to burn in homes as we open our hearts to God’s presence during this time. I wonder what will happen when the doors open, and God’s fire is unleashed on society.
When I put these three simple thoughts together, I begin to see a picture of what God is up to. The heightened stretch of our abilities, the deepening of our relationships, and the widening of our spirituality reveals a people with greater capacity. Scripture reminds us that we are vessels of God’s glory (Luke 8:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:21), ultimately the greatest good that can come of this situation is that we will carry more of God’s goodness into a world that needs it.
We will not always understand why we walk through difficult times, nor enjoy the stretch, discomfort, or even pain that comes with these challenges. What we can be confident of is God’s love for us and His desire to create good in us, for the world around us. Let Him expand you, so that you carry more of Him out of this season than you did going into it.
About the Author
Charissa Steffens is a teacher with a background in business and publishing. Passionate about strengthening the Body of Christ she holds a Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) and minsters through the spoken and written word. She writes for the love of it at her blog shematters.com.au. She serves as an Elder in her home church Nexus in Brisbane, Australia. And is oh so happily married to David with whom has two beautiful children, Elisha and Lucas.