Biblical Answer

God's Intent for Our Work

The passage from Ephesians 2:8-10 indicates that God has made provision for us to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This implies that God intends for us to work and to do good deeds, not for our own merit or to earn His favor, but because He has equipped us for every good work through His Spirit. The concept of work is not solely for human achievement or personal gain but rather as a means to serve and honor God.

God's Sovereignty and Work

The story of Job illustrates the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life, including work and suffering. Job's experience demonstrates that God can and does work in mysterious ways, often beyond human understanding. While Job questioned God's goodness and motives, he ultimately submitted to God's authority without seeking to understand the reasons behind his suffering. This submission is a testament to the trust and faith that God desires from His people. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, we can trust that He is working in our lives, even when we do not fully comprehend His plans or methods.

Equipping Us for Every Good Work

The Bible teaches that God has equipped us for every good work through His Spirit (Eph. 2:10). This implies that God has a purpose and plan for each of us, and that He has given us the ability and resources to accomplish those tasks. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, we can approach work and life with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that God is working in us and through us to achieve His good and perfect will. This understanding frees us from the burden of self-achievement and allows us to serve and honor God with our lives.