James, Peter and even Jesus spoke about trials and troubles, encouraging us to find joy in the midst of the struggles and to find strength in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the world. In each case, it is clear that trials are an expected part of life, but we have the power of God within us to come through these valleys and do so victoriously.

Recently, I asked a small group I lead the question, “How would you describe a trial?” There was a moment of silence, then one member spoke up, “Trials come from God.” I confess, it was not the answer I expected, but I was intrigued. Typically, people I know do not think God is responsible for difficult things, so I was interested to know what inspired that response.

“God does not tempt us,” he said, “but God does send trials for our own good.” As challenging as that is to some ears, there is tremendous truth in those words. Trials can be tools in the hand of God to shape us, equip us and strengthen us. Just like the effort expended at the gym, our work through trials can strengthen us for the future.

I often struggle accepting this when I face my own trials. Typically, I work to avoid these struggles, but that usually results in frustration; and another trip through the same valley. When I look at these moments as opportunities to better understand who I am and who God is in me, when I embrace my trials as a means to grow in strength and faith, something redemptive begins to emerge.

The best part is that even in the midst of the valley, in the midst of the fire, we are not alone. God is with us. Therefore, we can fear no evil. We can be comforted, and we can make it through. With each step we take, we become stronger and trusting God, we rise to levels of victory in Christ.

While we do not seek trials, when they come into our lives, we can turn to God for direction, power and hope, and by God’s grace we come through. As we embrace the power of resistance and struggle to make us stronger, we accept this part of the training and anticipate the results that will come from it.

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“The idea that the service to God should have only to do with a Church altar, singing, reading, sacrifice, and the like is without a doubt but the worst trick of the devil. How could the devil have led us more effectively astray than by the narrow conception that service to God takes place only in Church and by works done therein… the whole world could abound with services to the Lord… not only in churches but also in the home, kitchen, workshop, field.” – Martin Luther

The separation of the sacred from the secular, while often born of good motives, can lead to some significant confusion when we attempt to live out our faith. Certainly, there is an understanding throughout Scripture and Church tradition that some people. things and actions are holy, set apart for God and the purposes of God. It is equally clear that some of our human desires and cultural norms are at odds with God’s design. However, our lives are not neatly compartmentalized. We live in the place where the sacred and the secular meet.

We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. I grew up on this truth, but mostly I remember the teachings being about how not to be of the world. I know there are several scriptures that call us not to be conformed to the world and to lay aside the works of the flesh. We are called to live distinctive lives, yet we live them in the context of the world around us. We are invited into a relationship with an extraordinary God as we live our faith in the ordinary parts of life.

As Martin Luther points out in the quote above, it is a great deception to think that the only important work of the kingdom takes place in churches and church activities. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we bring the indwelling presence of God with us wherever we go. We make even the most common work holy, for we offer it as a gift to the Lord.

When the Apostle Paul wrote the Colossian church, he encouraged them in this way saying, “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord.” (3:23) Now, I recognize that these words come in a portion of the letter offering direction for Christian households and that this was specifically a charge to slaves, reminding them to offer their service not to their masters, but as unto the Lord. However, the principle certainly has a broader application. As servants of Christ, everything we do is in service to him and to the honor and glory of his name.

So, it is not just what I do on Sunday morning that matters, nor is it only the parts of my life I typically consider Christian. Everything, every facet of who I am, every activity I am engaged in, and every relationship I am a part of is a sacred offering to God. This means faith is immensely practical. The way I do my job, how I treat my family, and how I care for others matters to God. The stewardship of my body, my resources and the world matters to God. Everything I do, matters to God, therefore, it matters what I do.

When we understand that, for the Christian, all of life is sacred, then how we live life becomes an expression of faith. It is not enough to think of God only when engaged in religious activity. In fact, that should be the celebration of the holiness in the rest of our life.

As we enter this Labor Day weekend, we do more than celebrate people who work, we celebrate the opportunity our work gives us to serve. Here we have a time to reflect on how we serve Christ in all that we do.

An anonymous author said it best in these simple words, “work becomes worship when done for the Lord.” May this knowledge change the way we view our worship and the way we understand our work, for in everything, we are involved in the very work of God.

The post The Work of God appeared first on Thinking Faith Cafe.

This is the classic question that arises when we face seasons and situations of great need. The recent effects of the hurricane on the east coast of the United States, have raised this question again for many of us. What can we do that will make a difference in the face of great devastation and suffering?

It is not just hurricanes that cause us to wonder about what we have to offer. It can be the plight of children in the world, the scope of human starvation and lack of clean drinking water. The question arises when we consider those suffering with sickness and pain, with brokenness and grief, and with wounded pasts and frightening futures. What can one person, or a group of people do in the face of such things?

I often hear the question asked in two very different ways. The first, puts the emphasis on “I.” What do I have to offer? How can I possibly make a difference? The question is forged in a belief that the problem is too big and our resources too small. Sometimes, the distance of the problem makes it seem even more removed from our lives. We say, “what can I do,” silently answer, “nothing,” and go on with our lives.

The other form this question takes comes with an emphasis on “do.” In this response, we believe that may actually have something to offer, some way to make a difference. We are not looking at our lack, but at the possibility to use even the little we have to make a difference. Add to this pebble of faith, the trust that God can multiply our little, and a passionate belief that even “little-ol-me” can change the world begins to surface.

You may remember the story of Jesus when he stopped to feed the 5000. Jesus was teaching and a huge crowd gathered to hear his wisdom. Recognizing it was getting late, he instructed the disciples to feed the crowd, which was huge in their eyes. The Scripture says there were about 5000, plus women and children. Yet, in the face of this multitude, Jesus looked at twelve men and said, “feed them.”

The disciples were dumbfounded. What could they do? They didn’t have the resources. The task was just too great. But then, Jesus steps in to guide them. He asks what food they have and they bring forward the bread and fish one boy brought to eat. Jesus prays a blessing over the gifts and sends them out to distribute the meal. In the end, everyone is fed and there are twelve baskets full left over.

The disciples learned a simple, yet profound principle that day. Jesus can take our little and make it much. Sometimes, that happens from the accumulation of many people’s “little” and sometimes it is the result of the miraculous power of God. Either way, with Christ, we can all make a difference. We can share our resources, our talents and our insight. We can support others who are doing hands on work. We can do many things, the greatest of which may begin with our willingness to pray.

We can ask God to help others, to heal brokenness and to solve enormous problems. We can then ask what part we are to play in that process, how can we be partners with God in making a difference. We may be the one who gives up the bread and fish, or one of those who helps to bless them, or even one who takes the gifts to those who need it. Through prayer and our willingness to respond to God’s call upon our lives, we can make a difference.

There is a quote from R.A. Torey written in the front of my Bible. I often turn to it when faced with an enormous need. It reads:

“Pray for great things,
 Expect great things,
 Work for great things,
 but, above all, Pray!”

Below those words is this simple prayer that I pray for all of us today, “Lord, help me make a difference today that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.” May it be so.

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