Day Forty-five

“Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work
to this very day, and I, too, am working.’” (John 5:17)

Scripture Reading: John 5:16–19

I’ve learned a few hard lessons about using words like always and never when exercising the audacity to speak for God. From time to time someone asks me, “Do you think God can . . . ?” I would hate for you to know how I’ve answered some of those questions in the past. My own hard head has made a liar out of me more than once.

I’ve come to this conclusion: God can do anything He wants if it’s not contrary to His will or His Word. He is able. Whether or not He chooses to do a particular thing is His business, but His ability is certain.

An absolutist by heart, I am relieved to know I can still safely apply a few “always” and “nevers”—those labeled by God Himself. Today we get to grab hold of an “always.” Jesus assures us, “My Father is always at his work to this very day and I, too, am working.” No matter what is happening in your life or mine or the chaotic world around us, we can rest on at least one “always.” GOD IS AT WORK.

Whether or not you see a hint of Him, you can “always” count on Him. He has not given up or over. God is gloriously stubborn.

Christians receive an added bonus. Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Not only can you be assured God is at work, but you can also be assured that the work involving you is good and He is committed to completing it.

The word good is important. A few synonyms for the original word agathos are “profitable, excellent, distinguished.”11

Beloved, the only time God is working against you is when you are working against yourself. He desires to work to your profit, to your excellence, to your sanctification as a set-apart, distinguished person of faith.

If your works are ultimately self-destructive, He’s working against them. Once we belong to Him, He obligates Himself to the good work. He works “for us” even when we vote against Him . . . and thus erupts the war of the works. He’s too jealous for your good to let you win, so why not give in? He is always at His work—completing what He started.

God’s not just up to something good. He’s up to something excellent.