God Is At Work –

We have a framed saying in our dining room:

I believe in the sun,
even when it is not shining.

I believe in love,
even when I do not feel it.

I believe in God,
even when He is silent.

It was discovered written on the wall of a Nazi concentration camp.
What encouraging words, realizing the conditions in which they were penned!

God is at work – even though we may not see exactly what He’s up to.

D. T. Niles Tells of a service being held in a cathedral in Norway. Bishop Bergraav was preaching.  Worshipers had noticed that the  ceiling was low in proportion to the rest of the building. During the sermon Bishop Bergraav told the congregation that the ceiling which they saw was not the true ceiling.  It was the working floor for artists who were painting the life of our Lord on the true ceiling.  Some day the working floor would be taken down and then they would see what the artists had been doing.

As we look up and try to see what God is doing in our world, we are tempted to feel disappointed.  We look for soaring arches, delicate stone work, and a height that reminds us of infinity.  But one day our working floor will be taken away, and then we will see what the Great Artist has been doing.

In a personal sense, I’ve wondered what God is painting up there for months now.   It’s possible, and I’m hoping, that He’ll make His mind and will clear this weekend as we interview for a ministry position in Nebraska.   While it pales in comparison with the glory that is to be revealed when He returns for His own, I’m anticipating what He might have for our next chapter.

I used to think the way it worked was for me to map everything out, real responsible-like and ask God to initial at the bottom of the page. That’s not how He works and I’ve learned to avoid that approach.  He and I have had some long,  quiet conversations and we both know God can say “I’m just checking to see if you’re willing, but not here”  — and He and I will be fine.  He is calling the plays, not me.

In all honesty, I am hoping and asking that He throw  the doors wide open for this opportunity and opens the drapes to let His light flood the room.  I’d like to hear Him say “Here you go, child, I’ve been working on this for months.  Are you ready to work hard, love my people, draw on all I’ve shown you and teach them?  Here’s your assignment. Serve me well. Here. Now.”    I’m hoping that’s what He’ll do in coming days.  If He does, I’ll tell you all about it.  If not, I’ll still follow Him close. Real close. It’s safest there.

You’re probably waiting for Him to show you what He’s been doing out of sight over your head too, aren’t you?

God can be trusted.  He is at work.  Even when (especially when) all you see is a low ceiling when you look up.  Don’t lose heart.