The Handiwork of God
Are you discouraged with life? Would you like someone to pray for you?
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“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world” (1 Peter 2:12 New Living Translation).
The meeting was barely over when the woman who had been seated behind me asked, “Who cuts your hair?” I was momentarily stunned into silence by the unusual question, but then responded with the name of the person who had been my hairdresser for many years. “I thought so. It looks like her work,” was the reply.
It looks like her work. Those words flickered around my brain for much of the rest of the day as I contemplated God’s work in my life. Not only have I been created by God but He continues His work in me and asks me to replicate that work in the lives of others. Can people see His handiwork in me? Am I about my Father’s business in such a way that when individuals see my actions and reactions, they immediately recognize the hand of the Creator God?
The Apostle Peter was writing to Christians who lived in a time of increasing persecution. He did not tell them to preach about their faith (although many did), but to live properly and honorably among their unbelieving neighbors. By living in such a way God would be glorified – His work would be seen in their lives.
Father, I wonder how often Your work in me is hidden. Help me reveal Your work – Your life – in my actions and my words. Amen
Questions: How can others see God’s handiwork in you? What changes do you need to make in your actions and reactions so others can immediately recognize the hand of the Creator God in your life?
About the Author Marilyn Ehle
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Walking with God in Dark Times, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Thank you, Marilyn, for this wonderful devotion! This is my hope and my prayer, that others see Jesus in me, that my profession of faith is backed by a lifestyle of faith! As I once longed to please the world, His Spirit has re-directed my heart, and pleasing Him is now my sincerest desire. The nice thing is, it wasn’t easy to please the world, but God, in His infinite goodness, has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to please Him! What a great God we serve!! :) And, speaking of serving . . .
Gracious heavenly Father, we thank You for this day of memory of our veterans of war, both those who are fallen and those who are still with us! We praise You for giving them the courage to stand for freedom, to defend our nation, as well as weaker nations under attack by evil opportunists! May our heroes know how much we cherish their sacrifice, and how we honor them for their dedicated service! Grant all those who are still with us the reward of our gratitude, and may our memories of those who have fallen bring a measure of peace to the families who shared in their sacrifice! Lord, help us to seek peace when it is possible, and Your divine intervention and guidance when it is not. Continue to be with all our troops around the globe, who would rather be home with their families and friends, enjoying the freedoms for which they serve! In the most precious, holy name of Jesus, Amen!