A Work in Progress

And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Philippians 1:6

Do you ever get disappointed in your actions or reactions to trials, tests and temptations? I know I do. I so much want to ‘be perfect as my Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48) but it just doesn’t happen. I have lovely times where everything is wonderful but then something happens and I take a tumble and get disappointed with myself. In times past I used to stay discouraged for days – one time even for a month! It was miserable. I’m learning that it’s okay to fall but I need to get up quickly, give it to God and walk on.

I heard Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer say that we are not to fellowship with our sin – we are fellowship with God. We are not to keep thinking about what happened and how badly we failed. That only serves to keep us down and out. When we are discouraged we are pretty useless for any ‘good work’.

I was meditating on some challenging scriptures recently (Luke 6:27-36) and realising how far short I fall when I measure myself by God's standards. During this time the Holy Spirit brought to mind this very encouraging scripture from Philippians. Yes, He (God) who began a good work in me is able and will bring it to completion. That’s good news.

Yes, it is a good work that He has begun in me and He will continue to work with me to break down old mindsets, habits, unhealthy attitudes and unholy behaviour. Yes I need to cooperate with Him in this but I need to keep my eyes, not on what I can do, but on what He is doing. I need to run with patience the race that is set before me and so do you!

Leave those sins at the cross and move on in the joy of knowing His forgiveness and acceptance, knowing that there is a work to be done in you but He’s working on you. Rest in His love and be thankful that it’s not yours to worry and fret about. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Thank you dear Lord that you are the one who called me into this life of faith and you and the one who is going to complete a good work in me. Help me to enjoy the journey. Amen.