Is God Still Working?

Are you wondering where God is right now?  Is God still working? You are not alone, people around the world are waiting, expectantly, impatiently for the COVID-19 pandemic to leave. When will normalcy return?

I don’t know when this will happen. But I do know God is always working – even when we can’t see how.

It’s a truth that I learned over time. And one that I must remind myself of frequently. 

God Works Behind the Scenes Too

My memory was jogged during a conversation with my IT consultant, my son Tim 😊. I gained a new respect for computers (and their speed), when he, explained how many programs are running behind the scenes. Unbeknownst to me, as I am answering emails or doing research, there is a flurry of activity going on, not far from my keyboard. Essential for my work, but invisible to me.

How much more will our loving God, who knows all, be working behind the scenes. To ensure His plan unfolds.

But what if the plan does not look good – at all? We may wonder where He is. Or if God is still working.

This verse gives us some insight:

^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

So, we know that regardless of whether God causes the circumstance, or just allows it, He is not unconcerned or uninvolved.

He is still with us, just as He promises.

He is working! And for the good of those who love Him.

If we don’t see evidence of His work, we may not be noticing it. Or He is working in a way that we cannot see – yet. Perhaps both.

I’m definitely watching for His movements during this pandemic. And, I imagine you are too.

I have seen positive activity even during these times of extreme hardships. Examples of God’s provision, miraculous healings, and people choosing to spend more time in prayer and study.

But I also trust that He is doing even more behind the scenes. Just like I trust that the necessary programs are running inside my computer at this very moment. Even though I cannot see how the process works.

God’s Works Behind the Scenes in the Bible

My trust in God’s work – even when it is not visible – is based on stories in the Bible and events in my life and in the lives I have observed.

The story of Joseph illustrates this well. If you would like to read it you can find it here in Genesis 37, 39-47.

Here’s the summary. In a dream, God promises Joseph that he will be a powerful leader. However, after this promise, he spends many years in hard situations. Including being sold into slavery by his brothers and being jailed unfairly.

Yet, God’s sovereign plan unfolds. Not only does Joseph become a powerful ruler, but his entire family and many others are saved from starvation.

God was preparing Him through these difficult times. Joseph summarizes it this way, speaking to his brothers,

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 5:20 (ESV)

Suffering occurred, yes, but God’s good plan prevailed. He was working even when Joseph or his brothers could not see Him.

God is Still Working in My Life

Here is a much simpler example from my life.

Disbelief and shock reverberated in my body when I heard the news. We were moving away from the life we had built over three years. A great house in a loving community, strong friendships, excellent schools, resources, and a lot of fun. We would be leaving it all into an unknown.

The transition was difficult. But we saw later that God was working behind the scenes orchestrating the details.

Much good came out of the move. The best? Through Bible Study, I began to discover the love that God has for me.

Encourage Yourself as You Wait

When I become discouraged by all that the COVID-19 virus has caused, I remember these examples and others that I have stored away.

Treasures that I can unearth and reflect on.

I also immerse myself in music that encourages me. One song that I am listening to a lot lately is Way Maker performed by Leeland. You might enjoy it too.

And, I continue to watch for other treasures. Glimpses of God’s movements, that are visible right now. And peace prevails as I do, even now.