In this world of experts who constantly tell me I need to upgrade my health with a specific exercise method, my financial life with a certain investment, or my beauty routine with a new brand of mascara, I often feel I simply don’t measure up. I continually feel I must improve myself.
But when I read Philippians 1:6, I notice that true improvement doesn’t depend on me: “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
When I read this verse, I remember that God is the one who is doing the work of sanctification. The Holy Spirit transforms my heart. Jesus continually works His purpose in my soul. Yes, I do need to cooperate, but God does the work, not me.
The verse also reassures me that God will complete the work. I’ll admit, sometimes I’d like God to speed up the process of sanctification and transform me a little quicker. But God promises to finish what He started. Sometimes He works in a flash of eye-opening wonder, but often He achieves His purpose through gradually molding us over long periods of time. I remind myself that God is never in a hurry, but He is also never late. This small attitude shift helps me to stop constantly striving in my own strength and, instead, watch God do His work in my heart.
Big efforts can have big benefits. Sometimes God may call us to gigantic faith adventures.
But I’ve seen that we can also grow in trust through small practices. A few minutes of Centering Prayer reminds me of God’s presence each day. Praying over my to-do list helps me rely on God’s wisdom and strength. When I use the small Bible study method of Verse Mapping I notice new things in Scripture. Memorizing the Bible with the Remember Me app helps me store God’s Word in my heart. And realizing God faithfully works to transform my heart takes the pressure off me when the world insists I need to improve myself.
Small practices can connect us to God in big ways.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Delmaine Donson
