June 22, 2022
Thoughts From Sunday
- From Pastor Felix
“For it is God who works in you to will and to do for His good pleasure” Philippians 2:13
I’ve been thinking a lot about this verse. It’s incredible to me to think that God would desire to work in me.
Let’s put this into perspective. Suppose a very wealthy, famous person, meets you and decides that he or she wants to become your mentor. They promise to teach you the skills they have learned and they guarantee that if you will cooperate with them there is nothing to stop you from being successful in everything you do, and in addition, all your needs would be met. You will never have to worry about anything ever again. Would you take the opportunity?
I’ll bet, if we’re honest, we would all be tempted to entertain such an arrangement, but (if you’re like me) we would have to get over one hurdle first. We would want to have an answer to this question: Why me? I’m nobody special. What’s the catch?
Beloved (to use the Apostle Paul’s words), hasn’t this already happened to those who have repented of their sins and call Jesus Christ Lord? God, your Creator, has poured His life into you when you trusted in His Son. He is the living water in your soul. His Holy Spirit lives in you, He works in you, ok, He’s mentoring you right now, enabling you, so that, according to His will, you can do what He’s asked you to do, all to His good pleasure. And the promises? He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). All your needs will be met (Matthew 6:28-33). He will be your guide in life (Psalm 32:8). And of course, the life changing transformation of being made into the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-30). Ok, let’s keep going…Romans 8:31-39 sums it all up for us. This is incredible stuff! I hope you take the time to mediate on these verses and bow your heart in thanksgiving to the God who gave it all.
Now, I know, there are times when we can feel God working in us, and it’s great! Then there are times, especially when we feel like we’ve blown it, that we don’t feel it. But let me assure you, either way, if you have Christ, then He’s working in you. The good times when you feel His pleasure are a gift from Him. The times when you’re not so sure, whether He’s being silent, or maybe even letting you feel conviction because of some indwelling sin, that’s a gift from Him too. What we need to do is learn to respond to Him at all times with thanksgiving. And, in the case of it being conviction, be willing to repent. He is willing and doing in you, according to His good pleasure. And that’s a better deal than any famous person could ever offer you.
Here’s a song I love to listen to and sing along to. I hope it blesses you.
With Christian Love,
PF