“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].“—Philippians 2:12
You know those days…
where you can really FEEL the “wrestling match” between your soul and your spirit?
Oh it can be so intense some days…
But God, as our good Father, knows how much we learn and stretch and in these kinds of times.
He gives opportunity to stretch, and to grow, and to “give way” in these kinds of times.
Where there is too much going on in my mind, He draws me into closer communion with Him.
Where my will is too strong, He offers me His wisdom.
When my emotions get out of control and want to take over, He draws me closer into the leading of His Spirit.
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”—Philippians 2:13
And He loves us enough…
to let us “wrestle through”…
to make mistakes…
to walk it out…
to work out our salvation.
But He also knows…
exactly what He plans on doing, in spite of all of our mess,
in spite of our weaknesses
in the midst of our “wrestling matches” of the soul.
He can see the finished outcome of our lives. ☀️
And this is what He’s doing…
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].“—Philippians 1:6
And in spite of ALL OF IT…
“You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.“—Lamentations 3:57-58
And in these times, when I struggle the most…He so faithfully reminds me…
“You are Mine. I clam you wholeheartedly—I created you, I love you, and I have redeemed your life.”
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.“—Ephesians 1:7
Thank You, Father. 💝 Thank You for always working in me. And in the midst of these “wrestling matches” that I face between my soul and spirit, You always remind me of how You really see me.
“…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.“—Colossians 1:12-14
-Heather 🌺