The Assurance of God's Continuous Work in You
Don't Do This Alone: It is too Difficult.
David Alesio
5/18/20253 min read
After the Car Crash
We are told in scripture that we are born into sin, with a depraved nature, dead in our sins and not seeking God. In other words, a spiritual car crash. Let's entertain that metaphor or "word picture" for a moment. A physical automobile wreck or "crash" can be harsh, rendering victims severely harmed or worse, dead. Let's for the moment, put ourselves in such a scenario. As victims, we are perhaps thrown from the vehicle, perhaps brutally smashing through the tempered glass window shield. We may have broken bones, lacerations spilling blood or worse, bone or intestines. We are a bloody mess! Now imagine the following, lying there, helpless, perhaps dying, a witness comes along, sees us in our desperate condition, and suggests we begin the process of conducting medical attention and procedures . . .on ourselves! In fact, they have tools and advice and opinions as to how we can heal ourselves while flat on our backs, broken and bloody, heaped on the street.
Ridiculous? Yes.
How thankful are we as blaring sirens emerge, the sound of running boots, professional and trained and attentive, tending in emergency capacity to our deadly, life-threatening wounds. These seasoned paramedics with great care and technique expedite our transport to greater care, wherein we find ourselves under the exacting focus of pinpointing bright lights and the studious eyes of emergency physicians and surgeons who hold us in their hands with measured and assuring procedures. To belabor the illustration, it is not WE WHO ARE OPERATING on ourselves, performing that which we are unable.
Our Firm Foundation
Believers, Born Again Christians who have given their life to and follow Jesus Christ, can find continuous comfort in the assurance that God is actively engaged in our lives. As stated in Philippians 1:6, "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." This biblical promise provides a profound sense of security that encourages us to trust in God's ongoing involvement in our personal development and spiritual growth.
God’s Promises
The assurance that God is continuing His work within us is not merely a comforting thought; it serves as a powerful and reassuring reminder of His love and dedication. Throughout the scriptures, we observe that God's promises are everlasting. His desire to cultivate our innermost selves, empowers us to become the embodiment of His purpose: To become like Jesus Christ, God in the Flesh. As we experience and manage challenges, it is essential for us to remain anchored in our knowledge of His promise: We are not alone in our experiences. Instead, He is present with us, promising to refine and perfect our character.
Firmly embracing the promise that God is continuously working within us is so comforting. Many of us fear ineptitude, that we aren't being "Christian" enough; that our "Christianese" language and words aren't sufficiently eloquent or impressive. We often wretch with moments of doubt and uncertainty. The understanding that God is at work in you and me, an ongoing process, encourages resilience and nourishes hope. We begin to allow God’s work to unfold, and find ourselves evolving, not only in mind and spirit but also in our actions and interactions with others. Each day presents a new opportunity to trust in His guidance, reaffirming our confidence in the work He initiated within us.
The promise "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" is a powerful truth. Like the bright lights of an emergency room filled with doctors, it shines the significance of faith in our lives and inspires us to navigate our paths with courage. As believers, we are called to grow in likeness to Christ, becoming a reflection of His love and grace in the world.
Let's you and I grip this confidence, that God’s work is a process that unfolds in His perfect timing. In doing so, we can actively participate in our transformation, embracing each day and hour and moment with joy, hope, and even unbridled expectation for what lies ahead.