Philippians 1:6, NLT
“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
At the beginning of October, I was finally admitted to hospital for the surgery I’d been waiting for the previous eighteen months. What a relief it was when the operation was over! I thought my recovery would be quick, but it didn’t happen how I imagined.
During the long enforced rest, I had lots of time to think, and I was struck by the similarities between physical recovery from surgery and God’s dealing with us, once we come to put our trust in Him as our Lord and Saviour.
When I came home, I was extremely weak and had to depend on my husband to not only care for me, but also look after the home, shopping, laundry, cooking, etc. It was hard to let go and just rest, trusting Dean to do it all.
When we come to the Lord, we have to trust Him alone to save us. There’s absolutely nothing we can do to save ourselves, or cleanse ourselves from the sin within us. As we trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, He begins to work within us, renewing our minds and purifying our hearts. ‘So all of us, who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
As the days went by, my strength began to return, and I noticed every change. I thanked Jesus that I was getting better. The Lord loves it when we notice every little thing He does for us, every blessing, no matter how small. When we can thank Him in this way, it brings us encouragement and hope for the future. The Lord has plans for each one of His children, plans for good and not evil, to give us a future and hope.
There were days, however, when I felt down. I was having trouble walking, and was longing to get outside and be well. We prayed. We resisted the enemy, but still, had to wait. Sometimes, in our walk with the Lord, He makes us wait for Him to fulfil the things He’s promised us. I knew He would heal me, but it was slow in coming. But finally, after about eight weeks, it came. Now I can look back and praise the Lord for His faithfulness. If you’re in a dark place just now, God wants to comfort you with His promises. He’ll complete what He’s started in you, and present you faultless before His throne.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all Your promises, and that You will complete what You’ve started in me. Help me to trust You in those times when I feel that nothing’s happening. I ask this in Jesus’ name, and for Your glory. Amen.
