I remember my parents and grandparents talking about the hardships they experienced during what we now call the Great Depression.

Jobs were nearly impossible to get. Multiple families had to live together. People traded items with each other to survive. Social Security did not exist. Life was extremely difficult then.

Similarly, I am sure that we will remember the Coronavirus epidemic. Many lost jobs, and those who were able to maintain employment worked from home. Cars were repossessed. Many homes were foreclosed upon. Businesses shut down — some forever. People wore masks to minimize exposure. Over 500,000 people died in the United States alone. Vaccinations became possible when emergency measures were approved. People became angry, feeling that their freedom had been taken away.

Throughout these and other difficulties, God is at work.

In Philippians, Paul thanks God every time he remembers his friends. He prays with joy, confident that their partnership in the Gospel means their good work will continue until Christ returns.

This is also true of us.

Our good work continues throughout our lifetime until we meet Christ face to face. God’s work began in us when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work began in each of us when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, giving us the confidence and strength to be like Him.