God Is Working In You

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
—Philippians 2:13 NLT

Pause for a moment, set aside all striving, and recognize that God is working in you.

Breathe in the powerful truth that the creator of the universe is involved in your sanctification.

He is patient, enduringly wise, and full of steadfast love toward all who seek him.

When I’m hard on myself spiritually, it’s because I’m putting too much pressure on myself to accomplish the work that only Christ can do in me. This focus of shame pushes me farther and farther away from God as I grip onto the lie that I have to present myself to him as a perfect Christian. In reality, it’s only the posture of surrender and humility that brings us into holiness and perfection.

So, I invite you once again to pause and remember that it is God in you working to bring about the work he desires. He already has a vision and a plan for your life that brings you greater freedom, love, and power than you could imagine.

Turn your heart toward surrender.

Wherever you are in your day, turn your heart toward humility.

Leave behind striving, shame, and religiosity and lean into intimacy, hunger, and desperation for God.

It’s amazing to me how generous and gracious God is toward those who come to him in humble surrender. The more we surrender, the more we can see how holy and good God is and the more we want to surrender. It’s a beautiful cycle of growth that characterizes the kind of life of abiding Jesus calls us to.

Will you see God at work in you today?

God, I give you my life. I believe that you are working in me right now to bring about the fruit of holiness you desire. I love you, Lord, and I want to be closer to you. I set aside all fear and shame to be vulnerable and humble in your presence. Show me the way to your heart. Amen.