God is always working to accomplish his purposes

By Dean Collins

Last week I attended the 45th anniversary of a ministry called Auburn Christian Fellowship. There were several hundred people in attendance that Saturday afternoon. I had some acquaintance with around 10 percent of the group. Some readers know that I am the founding campus minister of ACF, so watching and listening to the conversations around tables or while mingling had special significance to me.

 Several times throughout the afternoon, various current Auburn students came up to me and said some version of this: “Hey, aren’t you the guy who started all this?” Others thanked me for starting ACF, “It has really changed my life.” As I talked with students and listened to the presentations of what God has done over 45 years, I couldn’t help but think about the first verse of Psalm 127 which says this:

 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

 Psalm 127 reveals a partnership between God and us when it comes to building or establishing anything of value. Far too often our tendency is to take care of things for God rather than understanding that it is only with God and through God that anything of lasting value is built. Twice in this one verse Solomon opens this thought with the phrase: “Unless the Lord…” The wise king understood that it is God who builds and God who watches over that which is of eternal value. 

 As I sat listening to testimonies of lives that had been changed, I heard some common themes. Most of the adults who spoke on video or in person reflected on how ACF had either brought them to faith in God or had shaped their career path and established their marriages. Some shared that now their children are involved in this campus ministry.

 One student said to me, “So you’re the guy who is responsible for all this!” I laughed at the thought and said, “I think Someone much bigger than me should get the credit.” All I did was say “yes” when God prodded me to go to Auburn and start a ministry. I was 21 years old when God planted this thought, and honestly, I had no idea what I would do. I certainly couldn’t have imagined what would happen in the following 45 years. Solomon’s words have proved to be true that God is the builder and the one who watches over his kingdom activities and creates lasting legacies. 

 Reflecting on that day and meeting generations of families who have been touched by this ministry also brings to mind how my family has grown during those 45 years. Four children and soon to be 9 grandchildren is a “quiver full of blessing,” to use Solomon’s language.

 This psalm also speaks about our tendency toward anxiety. Much has been written lately about the amount of anxiety that college students and young adults have in the current moment. I will confess to having some anxiety as well from time to time and especially when trying to work through what appears to be impossible situations. But sitting there and watching the crowd and listening to the stories reminded me how unnecessary and unproductive worry can be. What was clear to me on that Saturday afternoon was that God is always working to accomplish his purposes. The best thing we can do is trust him to produce the fruit. Our task is simply to be obedient with our steps of faith.

 Lord, thank you for being a God of legacy. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your grand renewal and restoration plan. Today we surrender our work to you and ask that you produce kingdom impact through the surrender of our lives in the small tasks that we do as a part of your grand plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 127:1-5 ESV

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash 
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