Well, the school year is over (as I mentioned in the previous blog) and yes, I am looking forward to my retirement (long term goal), but I’m also enjoying the prospect of a long, well earned vacation in the summer months.
If all this were true, I would be extremely happy right now…and relaxed. It turns out that the word “vacation” has been replaced by another word this summer: “Proyectos.” I have a long list of projects waiting to be completed. I have work to do for the church, for the School District and there is a “Honey, Do” list at home that is only for the brave at heart.
I’m not complaining (well, maybe just a little bit); it is good to remain somewhat busy during our vacations and even during retirement. Work gives us purpose, direction and a sense of accomplishment that laziness and idleness will never give to us.
Think about what would happen to us if God would go on vacation even for a day. I know that there are times when it seems that God has left us, but do not confuse his “silence” with separation. Jesus has promised that He will always be with us (Matthew 28:20).
God’s presence in our lives is active, invasive and continuous. He is no mere observer or even a consultant, whom we employ from time to time. He is our eternal God, Lord and Master and He is the Owner of our lives.
God always has a project going on; in fact, the Bible depicts Him and his Son as continuously working in our lives. It was Jesus who said in John 5:17.
“My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
You have probably heard the following (and truthful) expressions:
“God is still working on me”
“God is not finished with me yet”
We are an unfinished project, but don’t worry because God has promised to complete it (Philippians 1:6). God is always working in us, for us and through us. In Philippians 2:13 we are told the secret of an obedient and happy life:
“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
God works in us so we can work for Him. In Ephesians 2:10 we learn that our salvation (God’s greatest project) is not only the direct result of God’s work in our hearts, but this work that began in heaven and was accomplished at the cross, will now continue through us.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
You and I are God’s project and He will finish what He started. One day, we will stand in his presence in heaven and we shall be “glorious…holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). I don’t know if I will be able to complete all my projects, but God will.
- G
