Have you ever started a project and felt overwhelmed by how long it remained unfinished? Maybe it was a home renovation that seemed endless, or a personal goal that felt increasingly distant. As I write this, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s quilting. She would spend months on a single quilt, meticulously piecing together fragments of fabric into something beautiful. The process was slow, sometimes messy, but she never doubted the final result.
This image of patient craftsmanship brings to mind one of the most encouraging verses in Scripture. In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes,
“And 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” (NLT).
Think about those words for a moment: “God, who began the good work within you.” This isn’t about our own self-improvement projects or New Year’s resolutions. This is about God Himself initiating a divine transformation in our lives. Just as an artist envisions the finished masterpiece before the first brushstroke, God sees the completed work of grace He’s developing in you.
But here’s what truly amazes me about this verse – Paul’s certainty. He doesn’t say “I hope” or “I think” or even “I pray.” He declares, “I am certain.” In a world full of uncertainties, here’s a guarantee we can hold onto:
God Finishes What He Starts
Sometimes we grow impatient with our spiritual progress. We see our flaws, our struggles, our two-steps-forward-one-step-back journey, and we wonder if we’re getting anywhere at all. But God’s timeline isn’t like our timeline. He’s not rushed, not frustrated, and not disappointed by the process.
Consider these truths about God’s ongoing work in your life:
- It’s Personal: God’s work in you is unique. He’s not creating a mass-produced product but a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
- It’s Progressive: Growth happens in stages. Just as a sculpture emerges gradually from a block of marble, God shapes us day by day.
- It’s Persistent: God doesn’t abandon His projects. There’s no such thing as “halfway done” in His workshop.
Perhaps you’re reading this today feeling incomplete, inadequate, or stuck in a spiritual rut. Take heart! The very fact that you can recognize your need for growth is evidence of God’s work in your life. Those growing pains you feel. They’re signs of His ongoing transformation.
Being Unfinished Isn’t A Flaw
– it’s a promise. It means God isn’t done with you… YET. Every challenge, every struggle, every moment of growth is part of His continuing work.
Paul mentions this work continues “until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” This reminds us that our spiritual growth isn’t just about becoming better people – it’s about being prepared for eternity. Each day brings us closer to that final unveiling when God’s work in us will be complete. Until then, we can trust in God’s divine process and fully embrace the journey He has set before us. As we cooperate with His work and rest in His unwavering faithfulness, we look forward with hope to the beautiful transformation He is accomplishing in us.
While God is the master artist, we’re not passive canvas. We can participate in His work by:
- Staying connected through prayer and Scripture
- Being open to His guidance
- Walking in obedience
- Remaining patient with the process
- Encouraging others in their journey
Next time you feel discouraged about your spiritual progress, remember Philippians 1:6. God is still working. The masterpiece is unfinished, but the Artist is faithful. And His signature on your life guarantees the work will be completed.
Take a moment today to thank Him for His ongoing work in your life. After all, being under construction means you’re in the Master’s hands – and there’s no better place to be.
