God, The Master Engineer

When you think about God as the ultimate Master Engineer, what comes to your mind first? Would it be the intricacies of the universe? Or the way every element of creation works in perfect harmony and rhythm? His mastery reaches far beyond the magnitude of the physical universe and could never be fathomed by even the most brilliant human minds.

Several years ago, I worked for a manufacturing company. Although far removed from the engineers who transformed ideas from concept to completion, I was intrigued by their ingenuity. They turned every problem into a solution as they tweaked their inventions until each one became a fully functioning tool. They redesigned and improved their products with each adjustment. From a front row seat, I began to appreciate the meaning of “engineering” — “to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, and systems that solve real-world problems.”

God, the Master Engineer, created you and me with specific design. He is committed to us as His creation, perfecting us to “solve real-world problems.” Although we may feel far removed from such a magnificent task, we each form a strategic piece in His infinite design.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10

Infinite Design

Maybe the J.B. Philips translations of Ephesians 2:10 gives our mission and design more clarity. “No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.” Beyond any doubt, what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. Yes, we are all born afresh in Christ … to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.

God’s design, His purpose, has been woven within every fiber of our being.

We all face “real-world problems.” My “world” may be a much smaller sphere than yours. We each live, move,and breathe within the confines of our individual worlds. Who could deny that a stay-at-home mother faces “real-world problems?” In your place of employment, you face “real-world problems.” While volunteering in your community, you face “real-world problems.” How we live affects real people and situations in more ways than we can imagine.

We may feel insufficient for such a noble task. Yet, God works out His infinite design in each of us. Despite our weaknesses and failings, the Master Engineer continues to work in and through our lives, bringing us to our full potential and His divine purpose.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:5

Hope

I never witnessed any engineer throw away their creation. They were committed to bring each one to completion.

God cares far more for us than any man-made object. We are His chosen and beloved sons and daughters. His love for us goes beyond understanding, and His commitment to us endures through every season of our lives.

Did you do well today? Wonderful! Did you fumble and falter? God is bigger than our failures. Nothing changes God’s love for and His devotion to us.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

Though discouragement may want to creep into our mindset, the Master Engineer is not discouraged with your progress. He sees your final end, the polished product, the perfect person you will eternally become. Despite our ongoing struggles, may we place our hope in His power to complete what He has begun in us.

The Master Engineer continues to work with and in us for our good and His glory. In this, we have hope. We may fail. He does not. When we fall short, He picks us up and sets us back on track. Nothing and no one can or wil change His perfect plan for our lives.

Is this religious rhetoric? Hardly! It is the truth. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Therefore, we rest in His redemptive process.

Real-World Problems

Let’s face it; we all face “real-world problems.” Few, if any, reading this blog are rich or hold great power. Most of us are ordinary workers, homemakers, and average people. We care for the emotional and physical needs of our families, settle everyday disputes and differences, and just try not to drown in our busy and demanding schedules. We often feel consumed by the day-to-day, moment-by-moment, aspects of living — food on the table, roof over our heads kind of stuff.

The Master Engineer chose to include His disciples in the everyday aspects of His life when He walked on earth. Yes, Jesus solved the greatest “real-world problem” for us all by taking care of the overwhelming issue of sin within every heart. Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, setting demoniacs free, embracing children, and showing kindness to outcasts were also key ways He alleviated “real-world problems.” He flipped more than the tables of the moneychangers. He continues, even today, to bring hope and help to millions of lost and helpless ones.

My “real-world problems’ may seem frivolous to you. Yours might very well seem overwhelming to me. Big or small, we all deal with them. As we release God, the Master Engineer, to have full dominion over our lives, every “real-world problem” comes under His divine authority — one word and action at a time.

Maybe someone told you that you can’t, but I’m here to say, “You can!” Whatever you face today, you can! You can become and you can overcome. With Christ, you can fulfill His design for your life.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Together

Each engineer where I worked led their own projects while at the same time worked in collaboration with others. With dedication to the task, they willingly sought the counsel of others. Team synergy enabled them to accomplish much more than they could have individually done.

In a similar way, wisdom will lead us to seek counsel and support to be able to reach our God designed goals and purposes.

“Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 11:14

I reflect on the many people God has placed in my life. He chose to use the strength and wisdom of others, to help me overcome situations that would have otherwise brought me down. The Master Engineer designed me, you, and us to work together in rhythm with His design — challenging, encouragement, inspiring, and motivating each other to excellence.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but “You can! We can! Together, we can become the “real-world problem” solvers God intended.”

Bless you, my friend.

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