PHILIPPIANS 1:6 – And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
THEME OF THE DAY. THE WORKINGS OF GOD. Today’s scripture is a familiar text to many Christians. It is often one of those verses we run to when life is hard, the path dark, and trials abound. This verse is also shared with other Christians for mutual encouragement and growth. Both occurrences are good. When we feel the pressures of life and circumstances tough, the Apostle Paul’s uplifting words are a balm to a hurting soul. To remember that the work God started in us, He will finish lifts us up from the dark clouds of discouragement. And to remind another struggling Christian of this truth is good ministry so desperately needed in the body of Christ. However, it is easy to say those things, even quote this verse to ourselves. It is another thing to cling, even believe, this verse when in the grip of some overwhelming situations. So, how may we do a better job of making today’s scripture an anchor to the soul on a regular basis? Attach this truth to it – For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness (Psalm 33:4). Notice the words “all his work is done in faithfulness.” From these, let’s consider two applications.
First, God’s work in His children is grounded in His unchanging nature, not our inconsistent experiences. Never lose sight that God is faithful. He never wavers. Even when we do. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13). Remember, it isn’t our hold on God that determines His work in our lives. It is His hold on us. In those times of wavering faith when it is hard to feel that God is at work in our lives, keep thinking on God’s faithfulness. He works in us despite our battles of unbelief.
Next, God’s work in His children is assured to be complete because of His faithfulness. What God starts, God finishes. What He commits to accomplish, He accomplishes. He sees the whole picture of His work in us in its completion. Yes, He knows we are going to experiences times of rebelling, complaining, even resisting, His work in our lives. That is what our remaining sin will do. It will “kick and scream” against God’s work of making us like His Son, the Lord Jesus. And God knows this. He didn’t start a work in us with an uncertainty of its outcome. He knew what He was getting when He chose us in Christ and began the work of making us like Christ. And because He is faithful, the work will be done.
Our God is at work; in the world and in our lives. Rest assured that His faithfulness will complete His work in both. And rejoice that this work of God is always good, always right, and will always lead to greater joy in the hearts of His children in whom He is at work.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for working all things for my good and Your glory.”
QUOTE: “Learn to see all things as the workings of God in your life. It will lead you to joy and peace.”