Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalm 127:1)
Some people live life thinking that everything depends on them. Their job, their schooling, their finances, their parenting depend all on the work they put into it. If things go well, they tend to rest in their perceived achievement. Others live life putting little to no effort into their life because they believe God is going to do it all while they can sit back and relax. When things go bad, they tend to blame God.
But the whole of Scripture teaches a different approach. Because God accomplishes all that He wants, we are free to work hard for Him. Our response to God’s sovereignty is not selfish passivity but active service, knowing that the process and the outcome is in the Lord’s hand. The builders did build the temple and the watchman did his duty, but ultimately God’s grace worked through people and circumstances to bring about success.
Before we step into the opportunities today (post Hurricane Douglas), let’s remember that it is by the grace of God that we do so, and let that truth drive us to work hard for His glory and for the good of our neighbors.