The Privilege of Being God’s Ongoing Project

Daily Devotional – Saturday, March 19, 2022

…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)

On a visit to a carpenter, I saw what looked like frames of a sofa set. They looked like a collection of leftover wood joined together in a hurry. I did not see any value in the timber.

The next time I visited, the carpenter had transformed the frames into a beautiful, comfortable and stylish set. I marveled at the difference two weeks of diligent labour could make.

Are You Your Worst Critic?

I had judged the ugly frames in a moment without considering the carpenter was still working on them.

How often do we do the same with ourselves? We judge ourselves based on our current negative situations. Beyond the trails of the moment, we so no future. We become our worst critics.

Negative self-criticism is often project on others. When we see no value in ourselves, we cannot appreciate others. We disparage them, choosing to see their faults only.

He Who Has Begun a Good Work in You Will Complete It

The situation would be much different if we adopted Paul’s attitude: “…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 God’s work in progress despite his achievement and a preacher. God was still working on him and Christ would complete the work at His coming. Paul did not give up because of his weaknesses.

That is why he said, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12).

Whenever you feel you are too weak and sinful, remember you are God’s work in progress.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, continue with the good work you are doing in me.