And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6
Italian sculptor and painter Michelangelo was also an architect and poet during the High Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries. His best-known sculptures, the Pieta and David, were completed before he was 30. He was 33 when he began the four-year project of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Legend says that one day, while he was busily chipping away at a huge piece of shapeless rock with his chisel, he was asked what he was doing. “I am releasing the angel imprisoned in this marble,” he answered, adding that anything that did not look like the angel was removed.
When God looks at you, He does not just see a “shapeless rock.” He sees the you that is hidden inside. With His divine hammer and chisel, the Holy Spirit is at work removing those things from your life that do not resemble the image of Christ. God has already seen the end from the beginning and is shaping you into who He intends you to be. Yet, there is one caveat to that truth—you must be in confident, obedient, cooperative relationship with Him!
Pastor and professor Chuck Swindoll says, “Let me be downright practical and tell you what I do. First, I remind myself early in the morning and on several occasions during the day, ‘God, You are at work, and You are in control. And, Lord God, You know this is happening. You were there at the beginning, and You will bring everything that occurs to a conclusion that results in Your greater glory in the end.’ And then? Then (and only then!) I relax. From that point on, it really doesn’t matter all that much what happens. It is in God’s hands.” Surrender yourself today to the hand of the Master Sculptor. Invite Him to remove those things that are inconsistent with His vision of you. Pray that God would move in the hearts of stone that exist across America so that they are softened to the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 1:3-11
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
