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Remembering God’s Commitment to Finish His Work

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work

until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Phil. 1:6 (NLT)

Heavenly Father, here’s a huge understatement: I am so thankful “salvation is of the Lord,” from beginning to end. We were dead in our sins and trespasses when you raised us up to new life in Jesus—granting us complete forgiveness, declaring us righteous in Christ, and sealing with your Spirit. Thank you, THANK YOU!

But sometimes I wonder why the process of becoming more like Jesus is taking so long—in me and others. And I also get weary of waiting for Jesus to finish making all things new. Being in Switzerland this week has intensified my anticipation of the Day of perfect everything. Father, I’m an impatient man needing more of your work in my heart.

When I don’t live with Paul’s certainty about your faithfulness to every promise you have made, I don’t love well. I become more aware of what “bugs,” me in the lives of others, than what encourages me. I get more impatient than accepting, more rigid than relational, and more condescending than compassionate. Ughh…

I start making unnecessary observations, offering unhelpful criticisms, and giving unrequested suggestions—the very things I hate for people to do for me. Father, have mercy on me. Free me to accept others the way you have accepted me in Jesus. Free me to delight in what people are, and not vex over what they’re not.

By your Spirit, help me offer others a non-anxious presence, your welcoming heart, and genuine encouragement. And enable me to be more accepting of your timetable. You won’t send Jesus back one day too soon, or one day too late. May I enjoy every appetizer you provide, confident the whole entrée of the new heavens and new earth are surely coming. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.

 

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