Moses spent years in the wilderness. David hid in caves to keep from being killed by King Saul. Daniel spent the night in a lion’s den. Paul and Silas found themselves in prison.

So many stories of God’s servants landing and living in difficult situations. Sometimes we just want to politely ask, “Dear God, could You tell me what You are doing?”

We want to be close to God and to walk with Him, but His work does not always align with our vision. Sometimes, God’s best work is done in the middle of suffering and hardship.

Where is God at work in my life?

When I consider this question, I want to count victories and accomplishments.  I want to celebrate and showcase finished tasks and battles won.

But I am not sure that the parts of my life that seem under control are His places of current work.  I have a suspicion that He is heavily involved in the messy areas of my greatest conflicts.

• working through tiredness, conflict, frustration, and inadequacy to remain faithful where he has called me;
• maintaining joy and love in the middle of misunderstanding and falseness;
• living without compromise to be a light in the shadows;
• choosing to love in all the areas of my influence;
• struggling with a culture that grates on my soul;
• living as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, neighbor who blesses those around me;
• growing in His grace through prayer and reading His word.

There in my mess, God is polishing me, refining me, perfecting me. There in my uncomfortable mess, God is at work.

Where are you struggling today? 

Take heart; your mess may be the very place that God is polishing and buffing you to become a trophy of His grace.

I Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Hebrews 13:²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Photo – Bee at Work, Beth Mims