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God Will Complete the Work in You
November 18, 2024
Hey Clawson Family!
Song:
Scripture:
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 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.
Devotional:
The Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians are filled with gratitude and encouragement. Writing from prison, Paul is not whining about his circumstances but instead expresses joy and confidence in God's ongoing work in the lives of the believers at Philippi. These verses remind us of a foundational truth: God initiates His work in us, sustains it, and will see it through to completion.
When we come to faith in Christ, God begins a transformative work in our hearts. It’s not just a momentary change but the start of a lifelong process called sanctification. What is sanctification? It is being shaped to become more like Christ. The “good work” mentioned in verse 6 isn’t just about actions or accomplishments but also a deep, internal work of transforming our character, renewing our minds, and aligning our desires with His will.
Sometimes, we may feel stuck or discouraged, thinking we’ve fallen too far or failed too often for God to continue His work. But Paul’s confidence isn’t in the Philippians’ ability to continue; it’s in God’s faithfulness to finish what He started. This assurance doesn’t depend on us but on God’s unchanging nature and power.
How can I practically put this into play in my life?
Trust the Process: God’s work in you may not always be visible, and growth can feel slow or even stagnant. Trust that He is always at work, even in the seasons where you can’t see it.
Surrender Daily: Growth happens when we yield to God’s leading and invite Him to work in every area of our lives. Ask God to reveal areas where He wants to refine you.
Be Encouraged: No matter where you are in your journey, God has not given up on you. His plans for you are good, and He is committed to completing them.
Encourage Others: Like Paul, thank God for the people in your life and the evidence of His work in them. Share words of encouragement to remind them of God’s faithfulness.
Journal:
In your journal, reflect on how God has worked in your life in the past year. Write down the areas where you’ve seen growth and thank Him for His faithfulness. Then, think about one area where you must surrender more fully to His work and commit it to Him this week.
Training:
Father,
Thank You for promising to complete the good work You’ve begun in me. Help me trust Your timing and process, even when I don’t understand. Thank You for never giving up on me. Shape me into the person You’ve called me to be, and may my life bring glory to You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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