Episode 127

TODAY’S READING:

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

 

Time is flying! I can’t believe it’s Tuesday already.

 

I read today’s verse, and I had to really think about it. God, what do you mean you work in me both to will and to work for your good pleasure?

 

Both to will and work.

 

Well, let’s start out with the fact that he does reside within us. So we know he works through us. Like he uses us to brighten other’s days. He uses us to build his church. He uses us to serve our community.

 

But this verse isn’t addressing the work that he does through us. It’s addressing the work that he does in us.

 

It says God works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

 

It means that every day, he’s helping mold our hearts. Every day he is shaping us to become more like Him. How? By presenting challenges and obstacles in front of you.

 

If you tend to be an angry person, he will continue to challenge you to let go of your anger.

 

If you’re a selfish person, he is going to put you in situations that will make you open your eyes to those around you.

 

He is constantly putting us in situations that mold us. Teach us lessons. Why?

 

Well, I believe it’s because he wants us all to freely come to Him. He wants us to become better versions of ourselves so that when others ask how we got to where we did, we can point it back to Him.

 

Remember that God is the God of relationships. He wants to get to know you personally. Do you think he wants to leave you where you are today? No, he constantly wants to elevate you. Look back to even a year ago, and realize how much you’ve grown. God is constantly using everything around you to make you realize that this life is better with Him in it. So surrender it to Him. Let his will be done. Let him work on your heart.

 

I know it’s scary not to know what’s on the other side, but I promise you he’s got your best interest in mind always.

 

So trust him to work in you today. Ask him to mold you; ask him to show you what He needs from you to continue to do work in you.

 

PRAYER

Father God, work in us. Give us patience, give us strength. Take our situations and do the impossible. We want to be your miracle so that when others ask how we changed, we can point it back to you. We want to be more like you, so continue to work on our flaws and continue to work on our hearts. Let us take up our cross every single day. Today we are after you. May we feel your presence as the supermarkets fill up. As the shopping malls get loud. May we find you in the middle of the chaos. We love you, and it is in your holy name that we pray, Amen!!