6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6 ESV)
My beloved,
I know there are moments when you feel like you’ll never get there. Moments when the old you eclipses the new you. Moments when who you were or who you are overpower who you are becoming.
I’m know what you’re thinking on those dark and discouraging days as you struggle with the same lust or ambition or fear that’s plagued you for years. I feel your pain when you look to those who are your spiritual heroes–that godly father, that faithful wife, that passionate worshiper, that tireless server of the poor, that wise counselor, that bold leader, that ceaseless pray-er, that amazing Bible teacher–and you think “I’ll never be like them.”
I want you to know that I’m still at work within you. Every minute of every day of every week of every month of every year. Not a single seconds passes when I’m not remaking you from the inside out. The fathomless power that spoke the stars and sun into being is at work in you. The unexpected energy that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you. I started something in you. And I didn’t just walk away. I’ve kept at it. Even when you’re not laboring, I am. When your New Year resolutions fade, I don’t. When your enthusiasm for formation dims after a weekend retreat, I don’t.
I’m watering the seeds of selflessness with in you. I’m pulling the weeks of wickedness. I’m removing the graffiti of greed from your walls. And I’m applying fresh coats of compassion. I’m replacing hands that grab with ones that give. I’m updating your software and fixing every bug. I’m renovating this run down home into a mansion.
And this project that is you will be completed. On time. I’ve never started anything that I didn’t finish.
Every dream you’ve ever had about the person you could become will become true. There will come a day when you will finally be the parent you always hoped you’d be, the spouse you always wanted to be, and the friend you never thought you could be. There will come a day when fear never grips you and courage always characterizes you. There will come a day when your only addiction will be to life. There will come a day when you no longer do what you don’t want to do and can finally do what you’ve never been able to do.
You will be complete. Whole. Mature. Just like Jesus. He’s the perfect picture of what I had in mind when I made you. And you will be too.
So be patient today. Don’t despair. Above all, don’t give up. This is a journey–and a long one. All that’s needed today is a step or two. You don’t have to cover the whole distance today. Just make some progress. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Blessings be upon you,
Spirit
