“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Philippians 2:13 · NIV
There are moments in life when it feels like everything is pushing against us.
The doors we hoped would open stay closed.
The plans we carefully made fall apart.
The waiting feels longer than we expected.
In those moments, it's easy to wonder if God is working against us.
But what if He isn't?
What if He's working through us?
Sometimes, before God changes our circumstances, He changes our hearts.
He teaches us patience before the blessing arrives.
He teaches us humility before the promotion.
He teaches us trust before the breakthrough.
Those lessons don't always feel comfortable. Growth rarely does.
A seed doesn't become a tree overnight. It first has to be planted beneath the surface where no one can see it. For a while, it looks like nothing is happening. But underneath the soil, roots are forming.
Our faith often grows the same way.
Just because you can't see God moving doesn't mean He has stopped working.
Maybe He's strengthening your character.
Maybe He's preparing you for a responsibility you couldn't carry six months ago.
Maybe He's healing parts of your heart you didn't even realize were wounded.
God isn't trying to make your life harder.
He's preparing you for something greater than you can see today.
So the next time life feels uncertain, remind yourself:
God isn't working against me. He's working through me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I don't understand what You're doing. Help me to remember that You are working in my life, even in seasons that feel slow or difficult.
Shape my heart to look more like Yours. Teach me to trust Your timing, embrace Your lessons, and believe that every step is preparing me for the purpose You have planned.
When I feel discouraged, remind me that You are not working against me. You are working through me, growing my faith, refining my character, and drawing me closer to You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Reflection
Where have you been looking at God's work as an obstacle instead of an opportunity for growth?
Prayer for this week: Ask God to help you recognize His hand at work, even in the places where you don't yet understand His plan.
— Karinna Sorelle 🤎