What Is God's Job in My Life?

(excerpt from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)

ANOTHER CHILDHOOD ADVENTURE invited us to search for hidden treasures. With coded map in hand we attempted to calculate the incomprehensible wealth that could be obtained if we deciphered all the cryptic symbols. Movies depicting desolate caverns filled with overflowing coffers fueled our lust for all that is tantalizing.

Somewhere along our journey we came to believe that our dreams could be satisfied by God; He would give us everything we wanted if we could just decipher all the cryptic symbols. The good news is that Christ has provided an incomprehensible treasure, but it is a treasure of His design, not necessarily a fulfillment of our wishes.

Genesis recounts the story of how the treasure was lost. Beginning in the Garden of Eden, humanity purposed to reclaim the lost treasure but continuously sought for fleeting satisfaction rather than the ultimate treasure. Even in the garden God provided the clues that would lead to His abundant storehouse, and the way was revealed by the cross.

The work of the cross enables us to inherit the riches of Christ if we accept His work on our behalf. “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 NASB). His coffers overflow with abundant provision sufficient for every need as we are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. A divine treasure spills over with inexhaustible wealth awaiting acquisition, and as God’s children we are heirs to His vast treasure. A closer look at 2 Peter 1 gives a definitive outline of the work that has already been done and the treasures that await those who diligently seek Him. God is our Savior, sustainer, and benefactor.

Unfortunately, when we consider God’s job in our lives, we think we are merely saved from hell and destined for heaven. But God has provided so much more for us. The salvation Christ offers is not merely for escape from hell, or membership in heaven. Rather, it is an invitation to a relationship with the living God! Through His great and precious promises He enables us to experience abundant life now and an eternal inheritance beyond comprehension.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
      and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
      for those who love him.”

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. —1 Cor. 2:9–12 (NLT)

What do you need from God to get through your day?