His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3

One thing I love about God’s Word is that it’s filled with treasures. A few months ago, I found a jewel. As I read Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, the following phrase grabbed me, “. . . and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by faith.” I immediately thought about my purpose of sharing God-words through written and spoken communication.

I began my calling with faith but later allowed fear and pride to take over. So I tightened my hands on the reigns of my life, and I tried to control outcomes. Instead of trusting God for the results as I worked, I trusted in myself. I forgot that it was my job to act “by faith” but God’s job to fulfill those actions by “his power.” Indeed, we fulfill all of our “good purposes” by His power, and every act prompted by our faith is fulfilled by God. We take the first steps but the fulfillment and completion of those steps belong to Him. The good works assigned to us originated with Him (Ephesians 2:10) and they will be completed by Him.

 “. . .being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

We get into trouble when we start a purpose or some other good work in faith but we try to “finish” our God-given assignment in the flesh. We push. We press. We demand. We leave God out and try to act independently of Him. All of this leads to panic, but the fruit of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5:22-23).

During this fearful and self-serving season, if I could have had a conversation with God, perhaps He would have said the following words to me: Am I not the One who started the work in you? Haven’t I caused amazing things to happen to bring you to this place in which you now stand? Why is it that you now feel you must complete this work in your own strength? You must continue to abide in Me. I will give you the resources and the strength you need to complete the works I have prepared for you to finish (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 2:10). Your job is to obey Me, to keep your heart free from unbelief and hardening, and to depend on Me. I will do this. It’s My work. I am the Potter; you are the clay.

Isn’t it a refreshing reminder that we can trust God to complete the works He has given us? How will this truth change how you work for Him today?

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

Prayer:  “Lord, how awesome it is that I don’t have to fulfill the works you have assigned to me on my own. You have given them to me and I will complete them through you. What freedom there is in knowing these truths. ”

Application: Get out some crayons or a marker and draw a picture or doodle a design that describes how you feel knowing that God will help you complete the works He has given you by His power.

Related Readings: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Thessalonians 2:12

By Shana Schutte

Home