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
Years ago (wow, decades!) there was a popular Christian song that included the lyric: He (God) didn't bring us this far to leave us. He didn't lift us up to watch us fall." Moses said it more poignantly to his protege Joshua: "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
God begins a work of transformation in us when we say yes to Christ. Actually, we really don't know how, and how long, he has prepared us. And this God who has prepared us; this Christ who laid down his life for us; this One who has given us forgiveness and new life by his powerful grace; He promises to continue his transforming work in us until the day we see him face to face. (That last sentence was a little long, but we need to grasp it. I need to grasp it - more today than ever.)
Paul writes: (He) is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
It is God's power, according to his plan, that is at work in us. Our part? Simply put… cooperation. Cooperation with the Spirit of God requires surrendered humility and audacious faith.
In the second chapter of Philippians Paul exclaims, "…it is God who is at work in you…" (If you don't mind, I need to add an exclamation point!) Ponder it. The Creator, who said, "Light!" and light happened; who breathed life into clay and you and I happened...
...that God works in us!
God wants us to be more than we are; to be ever growing. His desire is that we would be, "… continually being transformed…" (Romans 12:2). He wants us to live more, love more; to serve more, to dare more.
Paul is convinced: "...I am sure of this..."
God, work in me.
For now...
D
