October 3, 2024
Are you filled up with joy today? Are you connected to God’s power that is at work in and around you? If so, keep going!
If you are feeling tired, discouraged, or disconnected, use this moment to pause and refocus.
Listen to how Paul follows his poem about Jesus’ example of humility with encouragement to keep going.
“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Philippians 2:12-13
It is important to hear that Paul is saying that we don’t have to come up with this energy on our own. It comes from God! Another translation says, “God himself is the one who’s at work among you, who provides both the will and the energy to enable you to do what pleases him.” (verse 13, New Testament for Everyone)
How do you react when you imagine God is at work in you?
Take a moment to talk to Him. Ask him for the desire and the power to do what he wants you to do today.
Practice: What do you remember about your own decision to surrender to Jesus? Write down some specific things that happened and how you sensed him with you. If you aren’t sure if you’ve surrendered to Jesus, think of a time you felt close to him. (If you’d like to talk to someone about following Jesus and being baptized, reach out at wschurch.org/baptism.)