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Dear friends, I am so discouraged today. I feel like I have been a Christ-follower so long that I should be more spiritual, full of fruit, and a godly example. But I fail so much. Especially as a parent. Are you frustrated with yourself as well?
I know I am not alone. Maybe you’ve had those days or weeks, too. Days when you are ashamed of your sin and hang your head before your Heavenly Father and even your family.
Philippians 1:6 is one of my favorite verses I often write on cards, quote to youth, and use to encourage others who are struggling. Often, I need it just as much myself.
The Brooklyn Bridge took 14 years to complete.*
“For I am confident of this very thing; that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
God began a good work in me when He saved me many years ago. He created me and loves me, but sin separated me from Him even at a young age. Because of sin, I deserve death and hell. Because He loves me so much, He sent Jesus to live a perfect life, die on the cross, and rise again all to pay the penalty for my sins. I repented of my sins and put my trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
He began a good work in me that day.
The good work of making me like His Son, Jesus.
Paul writes with CONFIDENCE that God will complete the work He began in me so long ago.
Dear friends, if you know Jesus, He will complete the work He began in you as well.
Daily life can be so challenging to our spiritual growth! It doesn’t have to be the big trials and temptations that trip us up. Often the little petty things and relationships of everyday life seem to choke out the fruit God is working to grow in us.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) How I long to see this fruit growing daily in my life! How frustrated with myself I become when I fail!
Yet, it is God who works in me (Philippians 2:13) and He will not fail.
This week during my time with God I read Philippians 3:12-14.
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
God used this passage to encourage me to first, repent, then forget what lies behind and press on! He knows I have not “arrived” yet, and so do I. Even on my best days, I fall far short.
But I must press on toward the goal: Christlikeness.
Jesus is the author and perfecter of my faith, not me. (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus is the author and perfecter of my faith, not me. (Hebrews 12:2)Click To TweetOh, friends, are you frustrated with yourself, your faults, and your failures?
Don’t give up! Know your Heavenly Father is still working on you! He will not quit because of your sin. He WILL conform you to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29)
As a child, I learned a song in Children’s Choir that has stuck in my heart over all these years: “He’s Still Working on Me.” I still remember all of the words and am singing them to myself this week. May they encourage you as well.
“He’s Still Working on Me”
by Joel Hemphill
Brooklyn Bridge with 1875 on Pillar*
Chorus
“He’s still working on me,
To make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
The sun and the earth, and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be.
He’s still working on me.”
Verse 1
“There really ought to be a sign upon my heart,
‘Don’t judge him yet, there’s an unfinished part.’
But I’ll be perfect, just according to His plan,
Fashioned by the Master’s loving hand.”
Verse 2
The mirror of His Word, reflections that I see,
Plaques commemorating the original completion and later reconstruction of the Brooklyn Bridge.*
Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.
But He loves me as I am, and helps me when I pray.
Remember, He’s the potter I’m the clay.”
Chorus
“He’s still working on me,
To make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
The sun and the earth, and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be.
He’s still working on me.”
(If you are not familiar with this sweet children’s song, listen to it here.
When my children, my church, and my community see my failures, I want them to remember, God is not through with me yet!
I know I still have a long way to go, but by God’s grace I will be like Him because one day I will see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2)
That is my prayerful desire for you as well, dear friend. When you are frustrated with yourself, your faults, and your failures, turn to Jesus. Remember, He is still working on you!
First, be sure you know Him. Then, repent and receive His forgiveness, Finally, forgive yourself and press on!
Mandisa released this encouraging song reminding us that though we are “Unfinished” for now, God will complete His work in us.
How does God encourage you when you are frustrated with yourself? Leave a comment to encourage others who are struggling to grow in Christ.
*My husband and I visited New York recently and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. The beautiful bridge with an amazing view was originally begun in 1869 and took 14 years to complete, then was reconstructed in 1954. The bridge took a long time to complete, but has become an icon of New York City.
