God Is Working in You


So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with
enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue
to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue
spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and
critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the
name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work
in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in
you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

Philipians 2:12-13 AMP


God has predetermined good works for all His children to accomplish in our lives. When we carry them out according to His desires, they are more valuable in His eyes than gold, silver, and precious stones. These works, however, are not about what we accomplish on our own but about allowing God to work through us.

Jesus showed us the perfect example of how to carry out the good deeds of God in a manner that pleases Him. Though He was fully God, Jesus set aside His divine privileges and lived as a human being. He experienced life just as we do and relied entirely on faith. Jesus fully submitted to the Holy Spirit by aligning His thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. Everything He said and did was directed by the Father, demonstrating complete trust and reliance on God’s guidance. His life of humility and obedience provides a clear example of how we can depend on God for strength and direction.

Only those with faith in Christ, who possess the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, can carry out the righteous works that God has planned for them. When we stay close to Christ, trust His teachings, and live according to His guidance, we display our belief and trust in Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

By surrendering ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily, we naturally engage in the righteous works God predestined for us. This happens because God is actively at work within us, inspiring and enabling us to do His will. It is not through our own efforts but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit that we accomplish these righteous deeds. This is the transformative power of Christ’s life within us, driving us to live out God’s purpose.

Reflection: Who gets credit for your good deeds? If you find yourself taking pride in your efforts, redirect that focus to God. Remember what you are. He made you. Everything you are and everything you have comes from Him, and every good work is a result of His Spirit working through you.


Prayer: Father, I desire to be submitted to the Holy Spirit to carry out the good works You have prepared for me in a way that pleases You. Help me to rely on Your strength and guidance in all I do so others may see You in me. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Upcoming Connect 21 Events

  1. Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 25th @ 9 am at The Way Woodstock 110 Mill Street Woodstock, GA 30188)
  2. Sunday Morning Service (Jan 26th @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)