The Good Work of the Lord

Sometimes things can go right only by first going very wrong.

“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

So I’ve been fighting off the flu for three days now. Well I guess there’s not much fighting going on. Especially with the flu. You either have it or you don’t. Sorta like a light switch. It’s either on or off.

This past week, my switch has been flipped.

I haven’t felt like doing anything. Especially writing. And, I have to tell you that makes me really sad.

I sat down at the computer a couple days ago to try to write and ended up with a big bottle of disinfectant spraying down my keyboard. I tried. I really did.

One time I had to give a speech at a Chamber of Commerce banquet for an award I was getting for something. Oh, I really, really didn’t want to be there. I had a million things going on and I particularly don’t like to be given awards and stuff. But, I got up and gave the speech. A lot of people would have been thrilled to be there, but I was only willing.

It’s like being sick. I know that we get sick. I know that it’s usually three horrible days. I know that I have to endure it and then get back on track again. I know all that. And, I’m willing and determined to get my

time in to get it all over with. But by no means am I ever happy to be sick. I don’t ever wake up in the morning and think, “Hey, maybe someone will cough on me and I’ll get the flu.”

There are a lot of things in life that we’re willing to be a part of, but not really happy to be there. Work could be one. Maybe an in-law’s wedding.

But what about the Church? Are you willing to go to Church, but not really happy at the aspect of having people ask where you’ve been? Do you want your kids to be a part of a Church group, but don’t want to miss your afternoon shows to take them?

Worshiping our God should be a happy and glorious thing. Something we should be both happy and willing to do.

Let us pray.

Gracious God, who gives to those who ask, provide for each of us in your way, a special gift to be used for your glory, and for the good of our neighbors. Loving God, who reveals to those who seek, show us this day what these gifts are, and how they may be used. Forgiving God, who opens to those who knock, help us to step forward, now, into your gracious presence, knowing that we are each and all blessed with something special to share. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Troy is the pastor of Malvern First United Methodist Church. You can catch his daily video devotionals at their website: www.firstmethodistmalvern.org