Do The Work

In the seasons between God speaking something to you, and the fulfillment of that promise—do the work. I find myself often looking backward and forward, and neglecting what I’m supposed to do right now. God wants you to remember what He has said and done as well as dream big for the future. But in your normal day to day life, connect with Him as you do the work He has called you to do.

You may be unsure what you’re supposed to be doing, especially if you haven’t heard a specific word from God. If that’s you, focus on what God calls all believers to do as directed by the Bible. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB):

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

We are all called to be workers in the harvest of God’s kingdom. At times to sow and at times to reap. So proclaim God’s love to the world around you by your words and deeds. As you do, ask Him to speak to you specifically about who He made you to be and what His plans are for you to do with Him. God has specific goals He wants to accomplish through you.

The Task is Not the Point

When God speaks to me—after overcoming my initial doubts and exercising faith—I’m excited. There’s a shift in the atmosphere. His word changes my mind and then my actions. I feel momentum. He pushes me in a new direction and I can see Him at work through it.

After some time I realize God’s word doesn’t turn out exactly the way I expected it to. A feeling of disillusionment washes over me and threatens my faithfulness. But I’m reminded the point of Him speaking to me was not so I could perform a task. I’m walking with God. The goal is not to complete a task and say, “mission accomplished.” He gave me direction so I could be a part of His work and at the same time deepen my relationship with Jesus.

This is how God interacts with us all, including you. Consider the dreams He’s given you. Some have seen fulfillment. You may have had trouble believing some, and they’ve fallen by the wayside. Others you’ve pursued Him with, but their fruition doesn’t look like you thought it would.

Whichever of these you’re experiencing now, God is with you. He loves you, and His purposes in all this, is for your relationship to deepen. There are more layers to what He has said to you. But He also wants to do something new with you.

God’s Word is Deep

Sometimes I realize I’ve lost my focus on what God has directed me to do and I’ve strayed. Afterall, the enemy rushes in with every distraction at his disposal to keep us “busy.” At times though, I’m discouraged when I haven’t heard any new direction from God.

In these times, I’ve found I need to go back to the last thing (or things) He’s spoken to me. What has God said for you to do? His words have layers of truth. Often a literal interpretation will give us plenty of direction. But almost always there are more layers of meaning underneath.

Are you unsure you’ve stayed on the path God’s called you to? Examine His previous words, in light of what has happened since He spoke them. Sometimes we don’t need a new word from Him, we need to go back to what He has already said. Ask Holy Spirit to help you know if there’s a deeper level to His promises and plans for you.

Do the Work with Him

When God spoke to Moses in Exodus chapter three He gave Moses a directive that was extraordinary. Set the nation of God’s people free from Egyptian slavery. Moses first had feelings of doubt. He had all sorts of questions about the people he was called to rescue, their captors, as well as God, and even himself.

Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

– Exodus 4:10-12 (NKJV)

Moses was feeling inadequate. I believe all of us battle with these fears at some point when following God. But Moses trusted God, obeyed Him, and together they changed the world.

Has God asked you to do something you feel incapable of? God knows exactly who you are when He calls on you. In fact, He made every part of your being. God is with you and He’s helping you do the work He’s called you to do.