Even when we can't see

Today, I am struck by how God is continually at work even when we do not see the action. We have plenty of Holy Spirit wind blowing through our church these days. Many people are growing, quietly, like soup simmering. Things are bubbling and ministry is cooking. God is at work, and we can't always see the tangible results of this work. However, it is these times when God continues to work just beneath the surface of our observation that our faith grows.

We are preparing the way for future generations to experience God in this place. The things we are wrestling with now at some point will start to bear fruit. God is much more patient than me. I want to plant an apple seed, watch it grow for an afternoon and have fresh ripe apples to pick by tomorrow. God's ministry doesn't work like that. It takes a while to plant the seeds. The seasons change. Years go by. A few more years. Finally, blossoms, and eventually fruit.

No matter what you are waiting for God is active. Weather you are waiting for the market to get better, a season of your life to be over, or for fruit to be ripe-- trust in the Lord. During this period of waiting God is at work. God is bringing to completion the actions initiated prior to your involvement even. As the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."

May we all be patient for what God is doing when we can't see.