When Service Meets Surrender
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
If you are anything like me, you may find yourself wondering: “God, what are you doing with my life?” I question this more often than I should when I am concerned about the next steps or when the Lord’s plan for me seems unclear. Recently, while I was praying, I felt the peace of the Lord and His reminder to trust Him with my future. As someone who is stepping into a new season of life, making the transition from school to a full-time career and broader life decisions, it can be easy to ask, “Am I making the right decisions and where are you leading me, Lord?” In moments of uncertainty, whether in our career, relationships, ministries, or callings we can meditate on Romans 8:28 to ease the anxiety that comes with not knowing.
One truth about following the Lord is that He rarely gives us the full picture. Instead, he invites us to trust Him in each step of the process. Paul reminds us in this verse that confidence is not knowing what comes next but truly knowing the God who does. So, in the meantime, while we wait to get that job, or receive the opportunity and clarity we want, it is important to be faithful before the Lord reveals what is next. Serve the Lord by worshipping, praying, and prioritizing time in scripture. Use your gifts where you are now. Choose obedience in small ways even if it feels valueless. Believe me, it is not. Waiting is not wasted when it is surrendered to God. It is not a pause on our purpose. While we may not know what the next day will bring, we can be confident that the faithfulness we have today is never wasted in God’s kingdom.
Psalm 37:3-5 reads, “trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” Notice that David not only says to trust, but to also do good. We can trust in the Lord today, serve him faithfully, and surrender our future to His hands because he is already there. No matter how anxious we feel, we never carry the weight of tomorrow alone. The Lord is working for our good, and he is faithful every step of the way.
