I read the words from my devotional ….
I am pleased with you, My child. Though you are still a work in progress, you desire for Me to sanctify you – to make you holy.
(Jesus Lives, by Sarah Young, page 46)
And it hits me….
All God truly wants is this … that we would want to be holy. He knows we are flawed and imperfect. He only requires us to be in progress, which will involve obedience on each of our parts.
Scripture tell us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). Now I can’t speak for you, as for me, I don’t know the last time I viewed myself as “a masterpiece”. And yet, this is exactly what we have been created. This is what we are – a masterpiece. A work of art, a one of a kind individual.
I was curious as to what the word “created” truly meant when Paul penned those words. Here is what I found:
- to bring into existence from nothing
- to form out of preexistent matter, to then mold for utility (use)
- to design with certain ability, capability and capacity
He forms us out of nothing to from the start. But the work of sanctification is a constant remolding, always with the intent to form us into who He knows we are to be. It is so we will accomplish and succeed in what He has designed for us to do. He has fitted us with abilities, capabilities and a capacity unique to and for us.
It is an amazing thing to realize He has always been at work in our lives.
And He always will be.
So take the weight off of yourself, take baby steps and just make some spiritual progress today š
And I will do the same!
Today I am joining with … Three Word Wed. and Wordless Wed. and Wed.Prayer Girls and Wedded Wed. and A Little R & R and Works For Me and Wholehearted Wed. and Winsome Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Word Filled Wed. and Imperfect Prose and Coffee for Your Heart .
I appreciate this encouraging word Joanne. Sometimes we can put too much weight on our selves. It’s important to our part in the equation and to know God’s part. Many blessings.
So very true, Wanda. I am so grateful He is always working in our lives. Thank you for stopping & sharing with me.
I love this. It’s a reminder that He does all the work in us.
We all need the reminder, Laura. I think at times, we ourselves. I found myself so grateful to remember He is always at work in me. He is not only working it in us but He is also working His plan out in our lives. May I remember that today!
So thankful for his grace in honoring our intentions and not necessarily our results. š This is a beautiful reminder today; so glad you shared it with us.
Lisa, so very true. It is all His grace! Abundant & free!
beautiful
to want to be holy
much like my prayer
Lord let me be willing to be willing
So very true. May His wants be our wants. May we be willing!
Thank you as always for your encouragement and insight. Visiting you from Whimsical Wednesday! Did you write any Ruth posts this week?
Oh thank you so much for asking! I did not this week. You have no idea how even you noticing has touched me. Thank you for blessing me with your words & kindness!
Yes! He’s always at work and my job is to rest in Him while He does that work. Thanks for the reminder today, friend!
There’s the whole rest thing again š Who would ever have thought it could take so much work to rest š
I’m so thankful that although I cannot always see it, God is always at work in my life.
Amen, Barbie!
I love that verse especially in the Amplified Bible. It talks about Him having good works that He has prepared ahead of time for us. I think God’s plans for us are so much more amazing than we can believe.
Amen!!
I’m so grateful that He is always at work in us. I always enjoy your encouraging messages, Joanne. I also appreciate how scripture speaks to you and then how you dive a bit further to see what message God has for you. This is something I need to do more of. You inspire me! Love you. {Hugs}
Thank you for the encouragement, Beth. Throughout my life, I have been so amazed at how God speaks through His Word. There will never be words to express the preciousness of His Word to me. May you be compelled to dive in deeper & receive from Him richly. Love you, friend!