God will complete the good work he started in you.
Are you still in progress? Is your faith incomplete? Do you still struggle with sin? Find yourself discouraged by your circumstances? Wonder where God is in the pain?
We've journeyed together through this course. Together, we've studied dozens of passages of Scripture. We've prayed. We've meditated and discussed what we see God doing. Hopefully, you've experienced spiritual growth!
And yet, we're still not there, are we? This is part of the Biblical story too.
Consider the joy when the good Father reunites with the lost son:
*"'Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let's celebrate with a feast because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate."*
**Life is full of discouragement. When we see God's uncommon pursuit, let's celebrate!**
Yet what about a couple of hours later? The elder son becomes angry. And if you'll allow me some creative license, what about the next day? Is the prodigal son ready to honor his father?
How about Peter? He ministers beside Jesus for three years. Then he denies Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus restores him. A few years later, he's walking out of line with the gospel in Antioch.
Amazingly, the Bible presents both the ups and downs of his life. And how does Peter end his ministry? With trust in the sufficiency of God's power: "His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness."
How about Paul? He writes from a Roman jail, "I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
**Both Peter and Paul had their struggles. But God's divine power has given us everything required. The one who started a good work in us will complete it.**
By now, I hope you've developed a rich sense of what it looks like to see God at work. You understand how the Holy Spirit is empowering and enabling you to grow. You've started to try new habits.
God is at work. Don't you want to participate in his glorious mission?
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What struggles are you still facing in your faith journey?
How does it encourage you that even Peter and Paul had ups and downs?
What does it mean to you that God will 'complete' the work He started in you?
Surrender your incomplete faith to God. Trust that He will complete what He started.
Commit to continuing the habits you've started during this course, even when it's hard.
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