Philippians 1:6, New International Version

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

In one of my previous articles, I shared that we are God’s working project. He is the Gardener and we are the plants (John 15:1). He plants, He trims, and He sends rain and sun. Whether you are a new Christian, a young child, a person with another religious background, or someone with a rebellious and sinful past, we are all His working project—changed from ashes to beauty, from a torn garment to a colorful handmade cloth, and from a tiny, dark seed into a blooming flower. So, the question is this: how could anyone think that God cannot complete His project perfectly?

Why am I saying that? Sadly, we see many pointing fingers, looking at the speck in their brother or sister’s eye, and making their own evaluation of how far someone is from salvation. We also see parents drowning in heaviness and weariness over the salvation of their children, and grandparents doing the same for their grandchildren, or any loved one. The joy, the peace, the hope seems to lose their impact on their hearts and minds. The faith they once had is replaced by what their natural eyes see.

Does this mean we should not be concerned about anyone’s salvation? Not at all! But here is the truth I want you to hear: a life full of weariness and burdens is not the purpose or the outcome the Lord Jesus intended when He sent the Holy Spirit to us. The Word tells us clearly, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

What does a sound mind filled with love and power look like? It is the mind of Christ—beyond the patterns of this world, doing everything in love, and speaking and demonstrating truth in our lives. Because we are set free by His truth. And what is that truth?

For joy: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

For peace: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27, NLT)

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

For hope: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.” (Psalm 25:3, ESV)

May we all follow the Truth, to walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)