Philippians 1:6 – Work in Progress

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

We are all a work in progress. God’s not through with us just yet. It’s a helpful reminder when we fall short or don’t live up to even our own expectations. I love that Paul was “certain” about God’s involvement. Do we have that same confidence?

Context (Philippians 1:1-11): The apostle Paul is giving thanks and praying for the Philippians as he opens this letter. Paul acknowledges them as being pioneers of the faith and offers encouragement. You can tell from his salutation that Paul loves these people. They share a common bond of trusting in Christ, and that bond solidifies their relationship. We can identify with that when we meet other Christians–the immediate bond is tangible.

It’s helpful to remember that Paul and those he’s writing to are all fairly “new” Christians. It’s not like they had lived their whole lives with the understanding of what Jesus’ life and sacrifice meant. They would have been hard on themselves and probably abused for their faith. To be fully committed when others around were not had to be hard. Encouraging each other in the faith journey was key.

Did the description of what the early believers faced sound familiar? As the years have passed, it’s never been easy to be a believer for some. Many Christians around the world are being attacked in our day in one way or another. That’s because there are still many in the world who choose another belief system.

I was reminded of that today in a surprising way when a non-believer had to leave my house when they learned that I write Bible devotions and teach Bible classes at the local orphanage. That realization alone made her uncomfortable. I found myself praying for her after she left, hoping that God would protect her. His work in her hasn’t even begun.

Paul’s confident hope in God’s work in us is comforting. It’s okay that we don’t have all the answers. God is still working on us, revealing to us more and more each day, as we are ready. We may all read the same Bible, but not all get the same message. God knows what we’re ready to handle.

Walking through the Bible on my blog and publishing edited versions into manuscripts and then books has been a learning experience for me. As time has passed, I’ve noticed how God seems to let me see behind the curtain a little more than He did when I wasn’t spending as much time in His Word. Have you noticed that, too?

This verse talks of that beautiful day when Jesus will return. If nothing else, hearing and speaking that promise gives me such peace. We don’t know when, and that’s okay. We just know it’s going to happen. That’s enough to stir up some peace. It’s only then that we will be completely ready.

In the meantime, what are you doing to get ready? Are you enjoying the growth journey or feeling some growing pains? Communicate that to God today.

Let’s pray. Father God, I know that you are working on my heart every day. You are cleansing me and preparing me for service. I love knowing that I am a work in progress, and you are the one doing the work in me. Help me to trust the process and let you lead. Continue to guide my steps closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.