"The Way God Works” Series

God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

No doubt the working of God in our world is mysterious. However, the Scripture gives us some revelation into the mystery of the way God works. Let’s note some things we discover about God’s working from the Bible:

1. God is at work.

“But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I, too, must be at [divine] work.” - John 5:17 (Amplified)

Notice that our focus in life is to be on God. Our desire must be to discover where He is at work and join Him there. That is why I think it is appropriate that as we think today about the way God works, we are looking to a passage that speaks of prayer.

You see, if God is going to be able to communicate to me, I must take the time to commune with Him.

What Jesus describes here is a life-style of total dependence on God:

“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7-8 (Amplified)

Jesus is describing a life-style of dependence on God, of communing with God so that we might know His guidance and direction in life. If you are going to discover how God works and make sure you are living your life “under the spout where the glory is pouring out,” you must have an absolute dependence on God. You must determine that there is no better way to live than to live in absolute dependence on Him.

“To that they said, ‘Well, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?’

Jesus said, ‘Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.’” - John 6:28-29 (The Message)

2. God is at work to fulfill His purposes.

God’s work is always purposeful. All things are for His honor and glory. Therefore, in seeking things from the Lord, we must always ask within the context of desiring His will above all else.

The Bible reveals that there are basically five purposes that God is working out in our world today. God works . . .

A. To draw unbelievers into His kingdom (Evangelism).

B. To lead His people into greater intimacy with Himself (Worship).

C. To bring His people into greater intimacy with one another (Fellowship).

D. To develop Christ-like character in His people (Discipleship).

E. To send His people out to serve others in His name (Ministry).

The working of God in our world is tied to these purposes. Until I understand this, I will not be in a position to discern how God works or understand where He is working. This brings up a second important principle I must understand if I am to recognize where God is working and how He wants to involve me:

If I am going to know God’s direction, I must be willing to do what He says.

This was the point Jesus was making in the verse right before our text:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” - Matthew 7:6 (NIV)

God will not entrust you with His pearls of revelation if you are only going to disobey Him. He has more important things to do than to waste His revelation on a disobedient people. The only way I will live a purposeful life is to live it in surrender to God’s purposes for my life! You will only live a life that truly counts, if God can truly count on you!

It has been said that for some Christians, their relationship with God is like a SPARE TIRE (used only in the case of an emergency). For others, it is like a WHEELBARROW (they must be pushed and are easily upset). Still for others, it is like a BUS (ridden only when it goes your way). How do you view your relationship with God?

Some think that God exists to serve their purposes! In reality, we exist to serve His purposes!

This brings us to a third thing the Bible tells us about God’s working.

3. God is at work to fulfill His purposes through His people.

“He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does,

the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” - Ephesians 2:10 (The Message)