Photo by Leio McLaren (@leiomclaren) on Unsplash
It’s difficult to feel that we are making much progress as we grow in the Christian life because we know the motives behind everything we do. We are aware that the motives behind the good things we do are at best, mixed. We know what goes on behind the scenes in our heads. No matter what we do that seems good, we know we aren’t as sweet or loving as it might appear.
When we find ourselves feeling scared or overwhelmed, we look at people around us and wonder why they don’t have trouble like we do. The truth is that they probably do. Just because they look okay means absolutely nothing. To others, you probably look okay too!
We may feel broken hearted and wish our hearts didn’t break so easily. Why is it that others around us don’t break so easily? When we don’t know these anonymous “others,” we really can’t judge. We have no idea how easily their hearts do or don’t break! Or even what they have broken over. stop
Where is your confidence?
This Scripture I’m commenting on today tells us that we can be confident that the work GOD starts in us will be carried on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. I’m not sure of what all that means, but I’m confident that it does not mean that we are left to our own devices to live out the Christian life!
GOD is with us and for us. He does not leave us on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life. In fact, He is working with us to finish off the work He started in us when we became His Children. That work won’t be finished until we are with Jesus.
He is the One deciding what we need to learn and in what order. He knows what we need and also where we need added pressure and stress. He knows when we just need to rest.
I’m glad my loving heavenly Father who is also just, infinite, all powerful, eternal, merciful, and holy is the One superintending my spiritual growth and not me!
Being confident of this,
that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.Philippians 1:6 NIV
My post today is part of FiveMinuteFriday and #Write28days
If only I felt as confident as I appear to others!!! Thanks for reminding me it’s the same for others too! Great post Martha!
glad you stopped by today cindy:) yes, it’s funny that way. the other issue is that sometimes people even think that confidence is snobbery and over the years i have discovered it is often a mask for simple shyness. people want to appear conpetent and others take it for something different. it gets very complicated:(
Yes, we are all works in progress, even those who look like they have it all together! It’s encouraging that God is committed to us, and to seeing his work in us through to completion!
yes, lesley, it definitely is. that is my greatest hope. i’m not up to the task of either completing my own sanctification or that of a friend or family member!
Amen!
can’t get more encouraging than this can we, Tara?
Great post, Martha. I’m glad God will see me through and is in control. I almost used that verse and then wrote something different. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #FiveMinuteFriday.
thanks for stopping by gayl:)