God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:13, NLT).

The Question

“Do you think it’s okay—or even possible—to enjoy working for God? In other words, if we receive a benefit or satisfaction from a thing we do for God, does that somehow detract from the work?” 

My friend’s question set my mind spinning. 

The Reasoning

I remember hearing a comedian joke about the unattractiveness of God’s will. I was young, but I understood the humor. Every missionary who visited our church started their presentation with, “I never wanted to go to (insert country here) but where did God send me? That exact spot.” 

Some of the missionaries seemed happy with the ultimate result, but many communicated the idea that if you weren’t suffering, you weren’t serving. 

I prayed about answering my friend, because I didn’t want to just give her my opinion—and immediately thought of brownies and a Bible verse.

The Brownies

When my daughter was young, I suggested we could make brownies for a neighbor.

“Giving brownies away is even more fun than just making and eating them, I promise. You’ll enjoy it.” 

I bought the ingredients. I provided the pan and utensils. She couldn’t read, so I explained the directions. I guided each step and assisted her with the oven. 

Once the brownies were baked and cooled, we cut them, chose the best ones, piled them on a plate and walked to the neighbor’s house. 

As she handed over the treat, my girl’s eyes sparkled. “I made you brownies! Mama helped.” 

Our neighbor, who’d once had a young daughter, looked directly at my child. “You are so thoughtful. Thank you!” 

I could have jumped in with, “I did more than help—I gave her the idea, reassured her, provided everything she needed, and walked her through the process. Baking them myself would have been easier, honestly.” But I didn’t, of course. My friend already knew the obvious.

Watching my girl find joy in making someone’s day better was more fun than doing it myself, and I was glad to see her take pleasure in serving.

When we returned to the house, I poured milk, and we demolished the remaining brownies. Eating the fruit—or the chocolate—of our labor together was so much sweeter than eating the leftovers by myself. I was glad to provide a tangible reward for her kindness. 

The Bible Verse

I don’t believe working for God necessitates misery. Philippians 2:13 says God gives us both the power (skills, ability, strength, resources) and the will (desire) to do the work he wants us to do. The Greek word used for will is transliterated thelein. The root thelo is used in a number of ways: desire, wish, to love doing a thing, to take delight in. 

I was glad my daughter experienced joy and was happy she delighted in the result of our work. In the same way, I think God enjoys watching us accomplish—through power and resources he provides—the work he has given us a deep desire to pursue. 

The Consideration

Sometimes, God puts ideas in our minds. “I wish someone would ________” or “I’d love it if I could _____.” Desires which match what we already know about God may be direction from him. Let’s take a minute to consider our desires and contemplate whether they might be a call from God. If he’s called us, we can—without guilt—take delight in the work he’s asked and empowered us to do.