He Is Still Working On You

Reading passage. Phil. 1:3-14

“And I am sure that he who began the good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:5-6 RSV

Sunil was a painter. To make a portrait, he asked a small boy to sit on a chair so that he can make the sketch. After a few hours, the boy looked at the work of art and he could not figure out what the Painter was doing. He could see only some strokes on the Canvas and he was sad. “Hey this is quite absurd!” he said. “Son, please wait. I am still working on you,” said the painter.

We also are like that small boy. When God makes a seemingly unattractive stroke on our life, may be a sickness, a loss or even a massacre, we complain. We do not see any relevance in that. However, God has something beautiful in His plan. Be confident that he who began the good work in you will bring it to completion.

Paul writes this letter from the Roman prison. Is not the imprisonment of God’s faithful missionary a hindrance to the advancement of Gospel? In human terms, yes! However, Paul says it is God’s design. “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.” Phil 1:12-14 RSV

We are God’s workmanship (poíeema-G) (Eph 2:10). It is the work of a weaver. He is working on a few bundles of thread. But he has a design in his mind. We are also like that raw thread. He will not let you fail but finish his work in you. Wait patiently to see how He does everything beautiful in His time.

Some thing beautiful; Something good
All your confusion He understands
All you have to offer Him is brokenness and scrap
And He will do something beautiful in you.

Prayer: Lord, Help me to wait patiently to see your work in me. I am confident that you will fulfill what you have begun. AMEN

Further reading: Eph. 2: 8-10; 1. Cor 3. 5-9