WONDER | Thursday | 8/27

Look for Where God Is Already Working

Matthew 25:34–40

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸ And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹ And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’

On their mission trip, the students served alongside ministries providing showers, food, and care for people experiencing difficult circumstances. But the most powerful stories weren't simply about what the students did. They were about discovering what God was already doing.

They met people who had once received help from these ministries and now returned to serve others. Places that had once provided food or a shower had become places of dignity, belonging, transformation, and new purpose.

That's an important shift in how we think about serving.

We don't bring God with us into places where God is absent. We learn to recognize where God is already working and join in.

So pay attention today. Look for restoration. Look for compassion. Look for people caring for people. Look for someone who needs encouragement, dignity, friendship, or hope.

And when you see it, don't merely observe it.

Join in.

Reflect

Where do you see God already at work around you?

Pray

God, give me eyes to recognize your work in the people and places around me. Show me where I can join what you are already doing. Amen.