God is at work . . . I know it sounds obvious – but you have to remember how most leaders are wired.
We are problem solvers, initiators – wired to make it happen.
Leaders then are on the frontlines. They are ahead of others in their attitudes and willingness to get involved. Many situation leaders can make it happen. If we are not careful, we will run out in the name of God and make things happen – while forgetting God.
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6, NIV)
Be confident of what? Be confident that God is at work. Frequently we are confident that we are at work – but we need to remember that God is at work.
A. Circumstances: He is at work even if you don’t feel it.
Feelings don’t denote Gods hand on a circumstance.
Frequently we make judgment calls on if God is engaged or not by how we feel, that is dangerous. It is dangerous because the way I feel is never the gauge about what God is doing. The good news is that my feelings are not required to be obedient.
I can do - I can be – I can obey –without being emotionally lead.
This is a church. The property belongs to God, the building belongs to God, the money is His, the people are His – hH is at work.
1. Agreeable circumstances are not required by God.
That’s part of “Don’t forget the God factor”. God is not dependent upon the right circumstance. That is tough – because that is how we want it. It is a challenge in our area of comfort. Circumstances in our favor don’t determine God at work.
2. Circumstances throw people, but not God.
This was important in Philippi. The first time they had a God encounter was after Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. And while they sang and prayed, and earthquake came and opened the prison. Supernatural deliverance.
But this time there is no earthquake when Paul is in Prison. What is wrong with God? Nothing. God is at work – but the circumstances were different. Paul knew that circumstances did not dictate what God was doing.We have Philippians because of Gods work and Gods plan. Not because of Paul’s plan or agreeable circumstances.
B. Regardless of People and their motives: God is at work
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice," (Philippians 1:15-18, NIV)
1. God not only does his work in contradictory circumstances, but with contradictory people. (Romans 11:28)
2. We are thrown by motives; however, God works in spite of them.
Yes people will do things with wrong motives. It bothers us. We get bugged by this – I understand. But God still works despite them. Wrong motives do not stop God. God is not limited or thrown by motives – don’t let motives throw you.
C. God is at work even when people resist it.
You will experience resistance. It happens on a regular basis in the life of the church. Our history is filled with resistance. People resisting does not stop God.
I leave you with this thought!
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (Philippians 1:27-29, NIV)
To watch Bret’s personal message regarding God is at Work click here.