The Here Before the After
The Here Before the After August 4, 2024
There is an old saying that the older we get, the more we think about the “hereafter” – we walk into a room and ask ourselves, “What am I here after?” While that describes most of us, sooner or later, it also raises an important question, “What am I to do while I’m here – before the after?”
I am certain that if you are still here on earth, God is not finished with you yet. And if God is not finished with you yet, then He must have some things for you to do with your time here on earth. As we consider the providence of God, we come to realize that He is gently, lovingly, and often specifically bringing about circumstances in our lives that cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NASB).
Since God’s providence causes all things to work together for good for you and for me, we realize that He pulls some of the proverbial strings of life to make sure we are where He wants us to be, when He wants us to be there. Time, space, and circumstance become the tools of His providence for His purposes, to His glory in our lives.
This concept is seen very clearly in God’s word to the Christians at Corinth. As Paul described the “body” of Christ (Christians) in the church, he reminded them that each part has a function, but he also describes God’s providence in I Corinthians 12:18:
“But now God has placed the members,
each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”
God’s providence arranged time and circumstance in just such a way that He places us where He needs us, when He needs us there. Think about it. God has placed you right where He wants you, just when He wants you there – to be a working part of His body, to His glory, for the blessings of those around you!
Relax and enjoy the precious processes He has working in your life, as you work in His family! Ray Wallace