Grace Notes – Perfecting Grace
“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
Grace Perspective:
The Apostle Paul wrote this to the believers in Philippi, encouraging them to remain confident in God’s work within their hearts. This truth reassures us as well. As we navigate the challenges each day holds, we are confronted with the choice to trust in our sufficiency or trust God to supply what is needed for us to serve Him. Paul reminds us that God, Who began the good work within us the day we trusted Christ as our Savior, will continue to mold us and complete us until we meet Him face to face. The work He is doing isn’t comfortable; it’s refining.
This labor of grace brings hope to hearts weary from the constant battle between our flesh and the spirit. God’s promise of perfecting grace assures us that we will be made complete, preparing us for the day He calls us home. Take heart in this truth, dear friend. Let go of any notion that you must strive for perfection for the Lord. It is His responsibility to perfect us, not ours, and He alone knows the best way to accomplish this good work.
A Touch of Grace:
How do you struggle with perfection?
How is God perfecting you?
Grace Application:
Do you struggle with perfectionism? I do! Pride is at the core of this desire to look perfect, to be perfect. Self-sufficiency stems from pride and keeps us from humbly seeking God’s help. Also, unbelief is at the heart of self-sufficiency. When we strive to do life without God’s help, we aren’t trusting God. I fall into this sin far too often, neglecting the truth of this passage. I confess my unbelief and ask for forgiveness for falling again into self-reliance.
God is at work within my heart. His work is a slow, gradual process that will take a lifetime to achieve. I find myself impatient with the slowness of the process. I want to be further down the road to do more work for His kingdom. Yet, God is not in a hurry as He works out the sin that easily entangles me. He reminds me when I stumble that He is there to forgive me. His grace is evident in the patience He shows me, the forgiveness He extends, and the strength He provides when I am weak. My focus needs to be on Him. My job is to be obedient to Him and trust Him to supply what is necessary for His purposes.
You see, God provides all we need to accomplish His purposes. At the moment of salvation, all our sin is forgiven, and grace begins to work in our hearts, preparing us for the work God has for each believer. Our job is to rest in the knowledge that as we travel the road of sanctification, God will supply the strength, stamina, energy, and wisdom we need each step. His perfecting grace refines us, scraping callouses from our hardened hearts tendering it to hear His voice. If you follow Christ, trust that He Who began a good work in you promises to finish it. It won’t be easy, but when it is complete, you will be ready to see our Savior face to face.
In His Grace,
Dawn
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that Your grace is continually perfecting me for Your purposes. Holy Spirit, please reveal any sin entangling me and keep me from the sin of self-sufficiency. Remind me that Your perfecting grace is in my heart as You prepare me for eternity with You. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God to erase all doubts. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**