PSALM 33:4 – For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness.”
THEME OF THE DAY: WHAT GOD STARTS, GOD FINISHES. In the opening of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he encourages us with the truth that God is at work in us. Further in the Philippian letter, we are told God is always at work in us – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13). Many Christians find comfort during life’s difficulties from this truth – 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 (Philippians 1:6). And what is this good work?
The same Apostle would tell us in his letter to the Romans, chapter eight – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:28-29). It is the work of conforming us to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
By way of encouragement, there are two truths about God’s work in us making us like the Lord Jesus. First, from today’s scripture is the truth of God’s faithfulness. He has committed to the work in us, and His character demands He finishes the work in us. One of the anchors of our faith is the unwavering faithfulness of God. He will be true to His work in us because He will be true to His character. We may rest in His faithfulness even when we waver due to the difficult circumstances He will use in the work of conforming us to the Lord Jesus.
Another form of encouragement from God’s work in us is closely related to His faithfulness. It is the theme of today’s nugget – what God starts, God finishes, and that is not dependent on us. Yes, we cooperate in the work, but ultimately, it is God’s amazing and patient work of making us like Jesus. As we live the Christian life, it is important to remember God is at work, all the time. We often won’t feel His work, even not see much progress, but our confidence rests in who God is (faithful) and what He has promised (faithful work).
Someday, His “construction project” of conforming us to be like Jesus will be complete, and we will marvel how amazing His grace was as He did this glorious work in us through all the twists and turns in our lives.
PRAYER: “Father, help me to see all circumstances in my life as Your work in my life.”
QUOTE: “God started a good work in us of making us like Jesus, and what He starts, He finishes.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim