Confident in God’s Work

The Apostle Paul makes a wonderful, magnificent, and significant statement of faith that God will complete what He has started in and through us.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Paul is thanking the Philippian church for its service toward himself and the Lord, such as sending Epaphroditus to minister to his needs (2:25), in their giving to meet his needs (4:15-16), and in their sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ (1:5).

What stands out is Paul’s confidence of their ability in all these areas even though he acknowledges their service was still deficient. When they sent Epaphroditus they were doing so to supply what was lacking in their own service towards Paul (Philippians 2:30).

And it’s this same confidence we can have that what God began in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the life of His church, He will complete it, even though at the present time it may not seem to be the case.

In essence this takes the pressure off our always trying to be perfect, and that’s because we remember this is God’s work not ours, and this is Jesus’s church, not ours.

What a word for our church. While we see bits and pieces of God’s mighty hand working within our midst as we eagerly await the fullness. But it’s also during this time of waiting that we become discouraged and begin to give up, and we end up living the remainder of our lives waiting for heaven rather than living in the abundance God has for us here.

Paul said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

So, let’s move forward knowing the Lord is doing His work, and we’re joining with Him being confident that He will complete what He has started.