Day 22 - 40 Days in the Word: It's God Who Works in You

Salvation is a gift from God that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. But once we receive that gift, Scripture teaches that God continues to work in us, shaping our hearts and lives for His purposes.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. – Philippians 2:12-13

What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? It means to have awe and reverence to our God who has redeemed us. The moment we were saved through believing in our Savior, Jesus Christ, we became a new creation. As one of the earlier prayers in this book stated, we have been justified through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Once we accept Him, we receive the gift of eternal life immediately.  Once this happens, we begin the process of sanctification – becoming more Christlike – and here is where we have to actively work towards this. We do this by obeying our Lord’s Words and staying close to Him so that He can renew our hearts and minds.  We also trust Him that He can do this work in us.  Because it is God who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose!

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord, that You have given us all we need for salvation – and when we receive this gift  -  You have given us the eternal security of this salvation!  We thank You that You are working in us all the time to will and to act in order to fulfill Your good purpose.  May we be mindful of this truth, and may we trust You to empower us to do what You have entrusted to us. We ask that You remind us of Your promises and that we depend on You to help us obey and do all that You require of us. Thank You so much for allowing us to take part in Your heavenly kingdom work – what an honor!    We ask this in Jesus' precious name, Amen.