Watching God
I enjoy watching God. His ways are so unpredictable that I am often
amused by my own narrow perspective as compared to His. Turning us around and
letting us briefly face ourselves must be one of His favorite things to do. It
is even more delightful to watch Him work in someone else’s life.
Recently a friend was faced with a job change
that plunged her unexpectedly into the raucous world of young unbelievers. She was offended at every turn by language,
music, dress, lifestyles, attitudes, and work ethic. She truly believed she could not survive in
this setting long enough to complete her assignment, citing headaches, work
interference, back pain, and other symptoms of stress. She reported that the Lord was openly mocked
and His name was repeatedly used in vain.
Having always worked for herself or in Christian settings she could not
believe that God would want her to stay in such an environment, and talked
constantly of leaving. However, she
could not quit without jeopardizing her employment and her livelihood.
So often when we find ourselves in darkness we
believe it is a mistake. This woman and I began to pray for relief, but we also
prayed for the grace to endure this challenge.
The prayers became very specific, praying for the needs of individual
co-workers and individual circumstance as they arose, praying to be a light in
this dark place.
God would show her how attractive He could be to
them through her. Her “ministry kit”
includes a sewing kit, a first aid kit, tissues, hand lotion, cough drops,
mints, aspirin, handiwipes and spoons. She
shares fruit and healthy snacks when she has them. Her unconditional love, acceptance and
service, a timely word, hug, or prayers have set her apart as someone who receives
appropriate respect and gratitude. As she
reflects on who she is today she can hardly recognize the woman she has become,
blessing those she would have avoided, embracing those she would have
judged. She can see this leading to
deeper, wider ministry as God guides her path and causes her to grow into the
woman He wants her to be.
Just watch God!
