Ongoing Work in Progress

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again. – (Philippians 1:6, ERV)

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. – (Philippians 1:6, MSG)

This is such an encouragement to me, as I know that I am an ongoing work in progress. God does not give up on us when we fall short, but rather He keeps leading, guiding, loving, and refining us to reflect His love and light more clearly to the world. The stronger our bond becomes with Christ, the more evident His heart is made know through our words and deeds. It is in the things that we say and do that His light shines through to touch the hearts of those around us. May we ever follow after the Lord and listen to His leading so that we become more of who He has created us to be.

The Lord God of all,

Is working in us;

To make us complete,

Like His Son, Jesus.

A heart for the world,

With love that will grow;

Made to do good works,

So His love might show.

The work is not done,

Until He returns;

We’re all in progress,

To grow, love and learn.

Help us keep pressing,

Ever choose draw near;

As You refine us,

Making Your love clear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the work You began in us will continue until the day You return for us. Thank You that though we fall short, You do not give up on us. Forgive us for the times that we have strayed from Your will, plan or purpose for us. Teach us to ever trust in You to lead, guide, love, and refine us so that we can more clearly reflect Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever seek You anew each day and trust You to transform our heart to be a reflection of Your own. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:19

Power to Press On

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. – (2 Timothy 1:7, HCSB)

The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. – (2 Timothy 1:7, ERV)

You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit. – (2 Timothy 1:7, VOICE)

God’s Spirit is the Provider of every good and perfect gift. The struggle, however, is when our circumstances make us question what we know is the truth. His power, love and sound judgment are greater than anything and everything that we face. He is good, even when our circumstances are not. Here, in the midst of struggle, we need His nearness and grace to remind us to rise up in all that He has placed within us so that we can be who He has created us to be. May we ever seek the Lord to remind us of all that He’s placed within us by His power and His grace so that we can navigate each new day in His power, love and self-discipline.

Fear is not from God,

For He is our strength;

Great Overcomer,

Who goes to great lengths.

No height is too high,

Nor depth that’s too low;

He comes as we call,

And makes His grace known.

Power to press on,

When we have no more;

Love and His wisdom,

The hope to endure.

Lord, please come closer,

Remind us again;

Of Your great goodness,

That ushers hope in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but rather one of power, love and self-control. Thank You that You begin where our strength ends, and You are present to help and uphold us. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations in the midst of struggle. Teach us to turn in trust to You, for You supply all that we need to continue moving forward in all that we are called to do and become. Show us how to love those around us well, so they too may be strengthened and encouraged in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You in all things and trust You to supply all that we need to press on. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Yet He saved them because of His Name, to make His power known. – Psalm 106:8