Watch the Lord Work - The Crosswalk Devotional - February 1
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Michelle S. Lazurek, Crosswalk.com
Watch the Lord Work
By Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
It was one of those weeks when I felt unmotivated to work or do anything productive. I'd worked many long hours for months prior and desperately needed a break. But there were articles and writing deadlines, so I had to finish them. For whatever reason, I couldn't get motivated. When my mind and hands went idle, my mind immediately went to complaint. In my mind, I secretly complained as to why I had to do all this work. So many articles were due, and only a little time to do it. Although the pay helped my family, it was less than I deserved.
But instead of indulging my complaint, the Lord secretly whispered something to my heart:
This is what you prayed for for many years. I was immediately reminded of all the years I spent crying out to God, asking why I had to be in a job at a daycare that I hated. I desperately wanted to write full-time and make an income. I didn't know how I would even get a small income accomplished.
So many of my friends paid for the privilege to write, and I believed I'd be one of them for the rest of my life. I wanted not to have to work two jobs. I tried to avoid having to write on the weekends. I wanted to make writing my full-time priority. After all, that's what I thought God was calling me to. Wouldn't he reward me with enough income, hours, and work to make that happen?
A few years later, he did precisely that. He granted me jobs with several companies that paid for my articles. I was elated. It was everything that I had wanted! But on the days when I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and desperately needed a vacation, I was less than grateful. The Lord had to remind me that I had been praying for that. All the work that I was putting into these articles is what I had asked him for years prior. He granted my request not only to bless me but also to honor me because I was taking steps of obedience to follow what I believed was his calling in my life.
He even allowed me to make an income from writing. Many writers don't make anything from their writing, much less an income. The average writer makes less than $8000 a year. Making more than that as a supplement to my husband's income was more than I could have ever asked for or imagined.
But even when I should have been grateful, I was complaining. Like the Israelites in the desert, they complained and grumbled to Moses about the manna. God was providing, but it wasn't what they wanted. In the same way, I was grumbling in my heart because life wasn't working out how I wanted it to. Deep down, I wanted to make easy money. I wanted to write articles quickly and make a lot of money doing it.
But as we know from the current economic situation, that's not the case. Due to rising costs and dipping incomes, many people must work long hours to make the same income they made years ago.
But just as I had seen in my work life, God granted me my request in a more significant way than I had imagined. God can do above and beyond what we ever imagined him to do. Sometimes, our requests come to fruition only a few years ago. But when they do, we must glorify God because he deserves all the honor and praise. In my writing and personal life, God has given me immeasurably more than I could have ever asked for or imagined. And because of this, I praise him.
Father, let us not complain about our current situation. Let us hope that you can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask for or imagine. Let us marvel at your wondrous work as you work in our lives. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Are you complaining rather than rejoicing about your life right now? In what ways can you turn your complaint into gratitude?
Further Reading:
Philippians 1:6
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ippei Naoi
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
