Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”

I am the proud winner of a yo-yo competition!  OK, so it was in the 4th grade, but winning anything is rare so I still remember it!  At the time I could do a number of tricks, including: Loop the Loop, Rock the Baby, Flying Saucer, and Walk the Dog.  I am sure I drove my parents nutty making them watch me!  Whatever skill I had is long gone.  When my children were young I tried their yo-yo’s but to no avail.  I guess with yo-yo’s it is, “use it or lose it!”

Our verse for today speaks of a work that Christ is completing in me.  It is a life-long process of becoming like Him.  Like the yo-yo, there are ups and downs to this work.  When I think I am doing well and feeling strong, I am up.  When I am blowing it or feeling weak, I am down.  It is easy to stay down when I think of all the work in me still to be done.  I often feel like progress resembles three steps forward and then two steps back!

It is easy to become discouraged with that sin nature hanging on.  My goals for myself are very high, but the Lord’s are even higher.  His eventual goal for all believers is perfection (Matt. 5:48).  How can I feel “up” about my progress when there is so far to go?!  Our verse is reassuring as it reminds me that one day, I will be perfect and complete in Him.  He has promised it and He is faithful!

Thank you, Lord, that when You come, I will finally be like You!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)