One of my favorite verses is :
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” (Philippians 1:6, AMP)
I must admit that sometimes when I’m reading scripture I come across a verse that tells me I’m not the only one who is facing the same issue. For me, this verse falls into this category. Because I sometimes need encouraging that I’m not alone in this journey to perfection and also the Lord is with me as I attempt to grow.
This scripture also helps me in other ways, such as if I’ve misplaced my hope or joy. If you’ve misplaced your hope, you can find it in this verse. This is especially helpful when you are under attack and you can find no answer. Knowing that ‘the Lord’s not done with me yet’ and ‘I’m a work in progress’ helps me regain me in the midst of those doubtful moments. If the Lord hasn’t given up on me… if He is still involved in helping me become my best; then the least I can do is stand on this if my confidence in me is waning.
As confident as I typically am, there are always tests and challenges, plus the devil’s temptations. But…because of the Lord, I can get through these trying times and rest in this scripture plus a few more: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:37, and Romans 8:28 among others. One thing that I’ve learned is to have certain scriptures ‘at the ready’ to defeat whatever I’m facing. It is never wise to go into a battle (or have one thrust upon oneself) without being armed. Plus I have never forgotten how Jesus defeated the devil… ‘it is written’.
One thing we should never entertain is giving up on ourselves. When we accepted Jesus as Lord, immediately the journey of helping us become our best began. Why give up before the goal is attained?
“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.” (Galatians 6:9 AMP)
Granted this verse is directed toward our behavior when we are attempting to accomplish a goal. But aren’t we, the focus on us, just as important? Absolutely! Remember always that
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, AMP)
In case you did some speed reading… stop and focus for a moment on the word, ‘heritage’. You, We all have a heritage from the Lord! Webster defines ‘heritage’ as: “something possessed as a result of one’s natural situation or birth”. When you accepted Jesus as your Lord, you were reborn, a new creation. But Webster also uses the word, ‘possessed’ in the definition. To me that means an act on MY part… something I must do. And that ‘doing’ is to confirm, affirm, attest to my position as a servant of the Lord and thus entitled to His protection.
We can walk in this as joint heirs (Romans 8:17) with Christ. A good work WAS begun in us. Live in this reality… and rejoice.
