This morning I sat down for my morning devotions. I’d just finished reading in Judges, so I was up for a new book to start. Said a quick prayer and Philippians came to mind. Most of my life I’ve been a little more systematic in my approach to Bible reading, but lately I’ve been praying and reading. Embracing the Adventure!
I quickly opened up the Bible and started at Philippians 1. It didn’t take long to get to verse 6. Every time I read this verse I think of the Steve Green song in the late 80’s. I hear it in my head even as I write this. Do you hear it too? “He who began a good work in you……”
Today I was reading from the Passion Translation: “I pray with great faith for you because I am fully convinced that the One who began this glorious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you and will put his finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ. ” Philippians 1:6
“I am fully convinced…” For many years, I don’t think I have lived fully convinced that I would actually see the completion of what He promised. I could believe it for others, but for myself it was a different story. The waiting would often get the best of me. Or the worst of me, as the case may be.
I can be pretty impatient. God speaks something and I want it done yesterday! I think I’ve waited long enough already. I don’t want slowcooker faith – I want the microwave. I want it all – and I want it NOW! Got any other impatient folks out there?!!?!?
I can think of promises God spoke to me as a teenager. If He had told me I’d wait all these years to see them come to pass, I think I might of just passed. BUT He who promised is faithful!
The waiting had a purpose. The waiting was working far more into me and out of me than any immediate answer could have done. It was a process of maturing – and it still continues today!!!!!
He started by cutting some wood. Arranging a foundation to build on. Then little by little He constructed the rooms of my life to fit His master plan. I thought I knew what my house would look like, but for the most part I was building without any blue prints. He knew the end from the beginning and so slowly, carefully He continued the process of forming me just the way He wanted.
A few times I’d get ahead of the Lord. I’d add some shiny new structures to my building. But each time, the demolition crew would have to come and tear it all down to the studs. And I’d surrender to the Master’s plan once again.
There was no getting around it. This building has been on His timetable. I’d put my requests in by prayer, but the answers would usually take longer than I expected but be far greater than I could ever imagine.
I’ve been under construction for a long time. He is still applying the finishing touches to some rooms of my life. Sanding down the rough edges. Putting some paint on the walls. And there are some areas that construction is just beginning. I am a work in progress. And so are you! Proceed with Caution.
