Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am most thankful for the life that God has given me. I am overflowing with joy and thanksgiving and can hardly wait to declare that in worship tonight at our Thanksgiving Eve service.

Last week, I was impressed by the fact that I have found the work that God has created me to do. I am thankful for that work. It is my greatest source of joy and pleasure at this time in life. Perhaps that takes it a step further than just being thankful for salvation – for the rescue that God has done in my life, transferring me from darkness into the beloved kingdom of his Son, Jesus. He calls this the ‘Kingdom of Light.’ (1 Cor. 11:1) It is living out that rescue as an agent and ambassador – joining the team so to speak. It is discovering the works that God has prepared ahead of time for us to do. Each person’s work is uniquely different, but the same in nature. It is the continuing work of redemption – taking what is ugly and making it beautiful, bringing light into the darkness, and seeing the beauty of God’s grace at work in people’s lives. The Bible states it this way.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10, NIV)

We had a first in the court waiting room, sitting with some friends from church who are in the process of adopting a teenage girl who had a hearing the same morning. I had a vision later that afternoon. What if that court waiting room becomes filled with families from our local churches, advocating and fighting for these children – loving them? It’s a ministry that’s long overdue in our highly affluent society. We who believe and belong to Christ are part of those who have been redeemed, rescued and adopted by him. We must be involved in the same business. Foster care and adoption is one way. I know that it is the work that God has called me to and I am convinced that this is the sweet spot of life. It’s a risky place with guaranteed suffering in its path, yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s the work that God has called you to do? What might be holding you back from doing it? Perhaps you are in the time of training to be physically, mentally and spiritually able to do this work. Then again, perhaps you are missing the work that God has prepared for you to do. Let’s all go about doing the work of the kingdom with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And how do we know that we’re doing it? Listen to this Scripture on the work that God has called us to do.

“If any man builds on this foundation [Jesus Christ] using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” (1Cor. 3:12-14, NIV)

God, grant success to the work of my hands. May it be work that lasts eternally. Give me glimpses of your pleasure as I do it – that is my reward. May all who belong to you be involved in this work for your glory and for the benefit of those you love. Amen.