As a Christian, we must be aware of what God is more concerned with in our lives. If we fail to see Him at work in our hearts over our circumstances, we may become frustrated. 

God’s word in Hebrews 13:21 says, “Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight. …”

The original word for perfect means equipping, mending or to set straight. Four professionals use this word in Biblical times. 

Doctors use this word when setting a broken bone. The Lord will set things straight in our lives that are out of His will. There may be old habits; bad character or wrong motives that need correcting. Restoring broken lives is God’s specialty. 

The military uses this word to equip soldiers for battle just as God equips us for our spiritual battles. Our enemy, Satan, is very real and powerful. God provides the commitment and strength we need to endure these years of conflict. In order to be victorious, our equipment, the armor of God, has been issued to protect us and give us this victory. Our prayers will keep us in touch with our Commander in Chief. 

Fishermen also use this word when mending their nets. Repairing the holes enables the net to operate at full capacity. The Lord knows our flaws and weaknesses that need to be mended in order for us to perform at our highest potential. At times He may stretch us beyond our abilities and take us out of our comfort zone to develop skills, which increase our opportunities for greater service.

The captain of a ship uses the word perfect to equip his ship with supplies and equipment for the voyage. The Lord knows what storms and challenges we will face in our lives and will give us what we need to bring us out on the other side. The struggles of life may catch us off guard, but never the Lord.   

Henry Blackaby, who is an evangelist, says most Christians ask God what He wants us to do, and then we rush out to do it on our own. We need to wait on the Lord to equip us and use His gifts to do His service in His way. 

Life is not wandering around a maze going nowhere and accomplishing nothing. God is at work equipping us with His choices for our life and His provision to accomplish it. The Lord is like the potter who chooses for the clay to become a pitcher. He must also, however, fill it with the water of life and pour it out to a thirsty world. 

Steve Conwell, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, is heard mornings on WFLO and WVHL in “A Thought For Today.” His email address is Steve Conwell@outlook.com.