God at Work!

Daily Devotional – Sunday, July 16, 2023
…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

The workers had blocked the road. Before us was a big sign, “MEN AT WORK!” We could see heavy machines and tens of workers busy repairing the highway. One of the workers directed us to a detour through which we exited the road under construction.

Men at Work

According to the contractor, construction was to take three months, but five months later, the work had stalled. It was evident that the firm that had begun the work was unable to complete it. The company had run out of cash. People suffered.

Why had the contractor accepted the project if he knew he would not complete it? Well, it must have been a deliberate decision or unforeseen negative circumstances had contributed to the collapse of the project. Whichever way, project had started and stopped before completion.

He Who Has Begun a Good Work

Not so with Jesus. When He starts a project, He completes it. Paul, writing to the Christians in Philippi, encouraged them saying, “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6).

Paul was referring to the critical and continuous work of salvation that Jesus had begun on the cross and in those who accepted Him. The believers were to consecrate themselves fully to God and allow His grace to transform them gradually back to the image of God.

God Works in You

In the second chapter of the letter to the Philippians, Paul elaborated how exactly God carries out His purpose in us. He stated, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now 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 do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13).

While Paul is confident that God never embarks on projects He does not intend to finish, he emphasizes that believers have a role to play. As God works in us, our work is to cooperate with Him by aligning our plans and desires with His will. By obeying God’s commandments, we predispose ourselves to the transforming power of God’s grace.

God at Work

In essence, God is at work in you. If you cooperate with Him, He will complete His work in you and issue the completion certificate on the day of His glorious return! If you feel unworthy because sin clings to you, do not give up. You are work in progress and you can be sure Jesus will finish the work He has begun in you.

Prayer
Dear God, thank You because You will finish the work You started in me. Help me to cooperate with You for my salvation.