Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Charles Spurgeon has said, “Grace all-sufficient dwells in you, believer. There is a living well within you springing up; use the bucket, then; keep on drawing; you will never exhaust it; there is a living source within.”
Did you know the motive behind God’s work in our lives is because it gives Him pleasure to do it? Don’t you take pleasure in helping your children work out problems they are experiencing? Doesn’t it give you pleasure? The same is with our Heavenly Father giving us His loving grace and mercy with unconditional love.
Think about where you have been in what you have gone through. Then compare it with where you are now, in your relationship, and walk with the Lord. Do you see improvement? Do you recognize when you have had some spiritual “growth spurts” when God has really worked in your life in financial problems, physical ailments, a spiritual mentor, or even our current COVID crisis? There is a benediction the author of Hebrews wrote in chapter 13:20-21, which states, “Now may the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Do you have a predicament you are struggling with today? Or do you have a vision, a dream, that has not been fulfilled? Roll it over to God – commit it to Him. Abraham experienced that. It says in Hebrews 6:15 that it was not until he patiently waited – endured, that Abraham obtained the promise of God. Understand the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility after spending time in prayer. Keep on obeying and following Christ. Don’t give up. God will fulfill what He has placed in your heart in His time. Patient endurance has a way of perfecting our faith (Hebrews 11 lists the examples of the hallmark of the saints’ patience). Then rest in Philippians 2:13, NIV, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Listen to Spirit Rise by Tavis Cottrell (Lyric Video) 1/11/2020.