I have worked out a lot in my life for football, hockey, and triathlons. But even though I have been following Christ for over 40 years, I only started to “work out” my faith in the last 10 years after God used this from the Apostle Paul to get my attention:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
God wants us to put the truth behind our belief into practice and work out our faith through the attitudes and actions that animate our life. The power to pull that off comes from continual boosts of inspiration and energy provided by the Holy Spirit indwelling in us.
But it’s not automatic!
We must stay plugged into God’s energy source and meditate on Scripture every day even though it’s tough to maintain this discipline that is vanishing in the wake of our supersonic life.
Of course life is full of ups and downs. But another way to look at it is a series of ins and outs. God works it in while we work it out.
The glorious bottom line is that failure cannot be final because the Holy Spirit is constantly working in us so we can work out our faith and give him “good pleasure.”
I ask God to help me lean on the Holy Spirit and put his truth into practice so I can work out my faith through thought and action in real life, real time.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you working out?
“…because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose.” Philippians 2:13 GNT
