| Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: | ||
| Philippians 1:6 | ||
| Ten years passed since the day Paul first came across Lydia and the rest of the women praying by the riverbank. And here, in a Roman prison, thinking about what the Lord had done in and through them, Paul’s heart is filled with confidence concerning the Philippian church. I believe if Paul were alive today, he would exhibit the same confidence. Oh, I am aware of those who say, ‘What’s wrong with the Church? Why isn’t the Church on fire?’ But to those who say there needs to be revival, I say, ‘Don’t you see it?’ To those who call for radical renewal, I say, ‘Don’t you get it? Look around and see what God is doing. It will blow your mind. It will warm your heart. It will cause you to applaud the Father for His faithfulness and goodness. What He’s done for us personally and corporately blows me away totally.’ Why is it the tendency among so many Christians to think that the Lord is always asking for more, more, more — that if they pray one hour, they should have prayed two; that if they witnessed to three people this month, they should have witnessed to four? It’s my conviction that many, many, many Christians expect more out of themselves than God ever does. How quick we are to beat up ourselves and other Christians. Yet if we would only open our eyes and see what the Lord is doing in the person sitting right next to us, we’d see a miracle — for the fact that God would mature and develop, build and use people like us is nothing short of miraculous. Like Paul, I thank God upon every remembrance of you. He’s doing an awesome work in your lives. He’s taking you through deep waters and tough times — and you’re coming out the other side stronger than ever. ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom,’ Jesus said (Luke 12:32). He’s pleased with you. He’s done a great and marvelous work through you. And I’m confident that He who began a good work in you shall complete it until the day of Christ Jesus — when He comes back to take us all to heaven. | ||
