May 24, 2016
When we have feelings of failure, not being good enough, and disappointment, it's hard to believe we are a friend of God. But we can be who He would have us be ... He is able.
On Day 6, think about Philippians 2:13 --
Philippians 2:13 -- consider these versions:
13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. (Amplified)
and
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT)
or
13 For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants. (The Living Bible)
Philippians 2:13 is a major perspective changer for me.
It’s a truth I think we have pretty much seen negated. If God truly works IN us (think again of the scripture where we are told change is being done from the inside out), then it really isn’t about what WE do. Seems to me I’ve spent way too much time trying to be better. More sin free. More like Him.
The problem here is it’s been about ME … what I have thought I should be doing and getting better so that I would be more like Jesus. I thought that as long as I could be good enough, I would become closer to God.
Philippians 2:13 turns all that around.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think...
God is more than able. So what is it we are to do?
Draw close with Him knowing this word from Him. He has given us grace. He has made us saints through Jesus. He is for us.
Get to know him BETTER :) He will transform us.
Today and going forward, thank God for his grace and ask that He gives you power to do those things He has planned in your life. Throw off any thoughts of your shortcomings and go forward knowing it is GOD who is at work in you. Today. And that pleases him.
Worship today with Hillsong singing From the Inside Out.