GOD IS NOT DONE
(4-minute read)
We all like to know how a story, a situation or an event ends. By nature, we are both curious and have a deep need to bring things to a close. We expect things to always fall into place without prolonged uncertainty. That’s why we gravitate towards streaming platforms to see how human dramas unfold (even if based on fiction). And that’s why we ask each other for updates about things we are not even remotely involved in. After all, a good ending gives meaning to everything that came before it.
The hardest part in any situation, however, is the pre-conclusion segment that seems to go on forever. It is where we have gone too far to start over again, and too close to the end to give up. The mental tug of war between the reality we experience and the expectations we have is accurately captured in Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life". It's tempting to give up at this point, and miss the forest for the tree with a decision that seems to work for a short while, but often leads to missed opportunities and even deep regret. Abraham and Sarah invented a solution to make God’s promise happen and their action produced a premature Ishmael instead of a promised biological son. And this wasn’t just a ’family issue’ but an action that would impact all mankind.
If you are in a place of feeling conflicted and unsure of how best to proceed in a situation, the apostle Paul offers this comforting assurance, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6 NLT]. This means the current state is not the end yet; but we must recognize the brokenness that contributes to the situation, and trust that God is using this time to teach us something important about life.
Some of the best reversal of circumstances in the Bible involved people in the worst predicaments and life situations.
Think of Joseph. Mistreated by his band of brothers with bad blood towards him, he did not mete out vengeance when he had all the power to do so. Instead, he told them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20). In plain language, he was saying that it was God who rescued him from their godless act!
In Esther 4:13-14, we read of Mordecai’s destiny-defining clapback to his cousin, Queen Esther, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time,… you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” He was essentially telling her that she wasn’t placed in close proximity to the King to talk about decadent meals and other pleasures in life, but to stop the persecution of the Jews. Who in her position would have thought that in risking everything, it would lead her right into God’s plans to save the decimation of all Jews. In the end, she gained even greater favour with the King and more power in the palace!
The thing that makes us most uncomfortable and restless could be the very thing
that provides the greatest impetus for real growth and character maturity.
No one thought David was king material – not his family nor the nefarious King Saul who constantly dispatched hitmen to kill him. Yet, David kept his wit because his heart and hope was always on God.
Ruth, a childless young widow, took a big gamble on her future by choosing an unconventional path and ended up in the direct family line of David and later Jesus. (Ruth 1:16-17).
After Jesus was arrested, Peter found himself between a rock and a hard place when he was identified as someone who had spent a substantial amount of time in Jesus’ company. Their friendship hit rock bottom when he repeatedly abandoned his friend in the upheaval. Yet, knowing this ahead of time, the Lord left His friend with a word of comfort so he could pick himself up later, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18).
These biographies are not merely moral narratives but they remind us of how God’s plans and promises are uniquely embedded into our lives. Indeed, what we do and what we refuse to do shape who we become and how much our lives become a canvas for His Word.
If you catch yourself drafting an exit plan to alleviate the deep unease you feel about a particular situation, stay open to what God will show you through it – something that needs to be revised, repaired, reprioritized or restored. Here are three things to remember to keep you going:
Let God write your life story. God knows the details of what’s happening in your life without you reminding Him over and over again. Instead, start behaving like Jesus is the true Author of your life.
Don’t stop believing and trusting God. You may think something is over but God will teach you how to overcome it instead. He must be the bedrock of your belief and trust.
Nothing is done till God says it’s done.
This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 27 September 2025.
