This verse is deeply personal for me. It was one of the last verses a dear friend shared with me before he passed away. I can still hear his voice and remember exactly when he said it, years ago."And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."— Philippians 1:6 (AMPC)
Sometimes we strive, sometimes we rest, sometimes we slip, and sometimes we stand firm. Let's be honest: we are a mess! Even the strongest disciple can yield to the temptation of fear and deny his Lord, as Peter did. But as the Apostle Paul says elsewhere, after you have done all you can to stand, continue to stand firm!
Both of these verses are exhortations to stand and to not lose heart. We can find hope because God is working. While we cannot see past the present moment, God knows what is over the horizon. We trust Him because He is the only one who is truly good—the only one who can be trusted with our total, surrendered devotion."Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness..."— Ephesians 6:13-14 (ESV)
Throughout the biblical narrative, we see that humans are, by nature, rebellious. We have a problem with obedience. We are called to trust the Lord with all our hearts and love Him with all our strength, but apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we fail more than we care to admit.
I am so grateful that God doesn’t give up. He will see His work through to completion. Because we are "a mess," we must be humble enough to recognize that we cannot do this in our own strength or by looking to anyone other than God. We must cast aside the approval and praise of men—which is as fickle as the wind—and seek instead to be approved by God. He asks us to love mercy, act with kindness, and walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). When we focus on those things, we have done well.
When we surrender what we want to Him, He gives us real life in return.
So, do not lose heart, and by all means, don’t give up! God is still at work, conforming us into the image of His Son. We know that Jesus was the greatest man to ever walk the earth—God incarnate. That is the character and strength God is building in us. Even though we are already "the righteousness of God in Christ," He isn't finished with our journey yet.
No matter what you are facing today, do not give up!
