This is an encouraging post from fellow preacher John Dobbs…

If you’re like most people, certain events in life leave you wondering. What is God up to? Whether it’s a financial reversal, family problems, or even the unexpected death of a loved one, we can honestly wonder if God’s paying attention. Sometimes it can feel like you’re praying to an empty chair. If you are thinking that way, just know that you are not alone in that. In fact, people have been wondering that ever since humans exited the Garden of Eden. 

Recently we’ve been studying through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It takes all of 20 minutes to read through this epistle, but the principles in it are so powerful and helpful. I was thinking about the idea of God being at work in our lives as it is presented in Philippians. I encourage you to get out your Bible, read through the verses I have posted below, and consider how God has been up to something in your life that you may not have noticed. Use these verses to fuel your prayers for a few days. What is God up to? 

God is using your circumstances to bless others – even if they have been difficult (Philippians 1:12-14).

God is giving you a mindset, a way of looking at life that includes the ultimate example (Philippians 2:5-11).

God is shining through your example to others who need to know him (Philippians 2:12-15).

God is giving you perspective, helping you to give value to the greatest things while diminishing the unimportant things of life (Philippians 3:7-11).

God is giving you hope that goes beyond the frailty of life (Philippians 3:20-21).

God is hearing every prayer and sending peace to be your companion (Philippians 4:4-7).

God is giving you the strength to make it through today, no matter what you’re facing (Philippians 4:12-13). 

I’m not pretending that all of that is going to make your suffering go away. I am suggesting that when we contemplate the invisible ways that God is working through the situations we face in life, we can begin to have hope again. And maybe peace. 

Be well, friend.