We're Never Alone
Philippians 2:13
Have you ever watched a parent teach a child to ride a bike? It can be interesting to see the reactions of the youngster as he or she progresses from climbing aboard the seat for the first time all the way to “riding solo.” In the beginning they zoom excitedly back and forth, at ease in the knowledge that the training wheels will prevent them from falling.
But then the training wheels come off and they get a little nervous. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” comes the reassuring words of the parent as they move away from the driveway and cautiously head down the sidewalk. The looks of concern turn to grins as they get more and more used to the sensation of riding and balance. Soon they’re beaming with delight, shouting, “Look! I’m doing it all by myself!” even as the parent carefully keeps a hand inches from the back of the seat.
When we face an uncertain path, filled with potential dangers and challenges, it’s nice to know we’re not alone. Nowhere in life is this more true than our spiritual journey. When we begin our walk with God, we receive the assurance that God does hold great plans for us. Yet we may wonder how we can fulfill those plans in spite of our flaws, weaknesses, and struggles. Such fears are answered powerfully in Philippians 2:13.
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Everyone who begins a relationship with God leaves behind a regrettable past, and life-controlling problems like addiction certainly fit that description. Many struggling to break free wonder how they can overcome. What can they do to find the strength to be what God wants them to be? This verse offers incredible hope. They’re not in this alone, and don’t have to rely on their own strength and abilities. Rather, God is at work in all of us, molding, shaping, and guiding as we move forward in Him. To paraphrase Zechariah 4:6, our lives are transformed not by our might, not by our power, but by the power of the Spirit of God.
Do you wrestle with feelings that you can’t become all God wants you to be? Are you haunted by fears of failure, that you may not overcome your past? Remember, you are not alone. By virtue of your faith in Christ, He is guiding and upholding you through the power of His almighty hand. Let your fears turn to joy at the realization that the future is brighter than you could ever imagine—no matter what has happened in the past.
What will happen if we try to rely on our own strength or wisdom to overcome the struggles of our past?
What’s the biggest regret from your past that you struggle to overcome? How will knowing that God is constantly at work in you help in winning this battle?
Philippians 2:13
Have you ever watched a parent teach a child to ride a bike? It can be interesting to see the reactions of the youngster as he or she progresses from climbing aboard the seat for the first time all the way to “riding solo.” In the beginning they zoom excitedly back and forth, at ease in the knowledge that the training wheels will prevent them from falling.
But then the training wheels come off and they get a little nervous. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” comes the reassuring words of the parent as they move away from the driveway and cautiously head down the sidewalk. The looks of concern turn to grins as they get more and more used to the sensation of riding and balance. Soon they’re beaming with delight, shouting, “Look! I’m doing it all by myself!” even as the parent carefully keeps a hand inches from the back of the seat.
When we face an uncertain path, filled with potential dangers and challenges, it’s nice to know we’re not alone. Nowhere in life is this more true than our spiritual journey. When we begin our walk with God, we receive the assurance that God does hold great plans for us. Yet we may wonder how we can fulfill those plans in spite of our flaws, weaknesses, and struggles. Such fears are answered powerfully in Philippians 2:13.
It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Everyone who begins a relationship with God leaves behind a regrettable past, and life-controlling problems like addiction certainly fit that description. Many struggling to break free wonder how they can overcome. What can they do to find the strength to be what God wants them to be? This verse offers incredible hope. They’re not in this alone, and don’t have to rely on their own strength and abilities. Rather, God is at work in all of us, molding, shaping, and guiding as we move forward in Him. To paraphrase Zechariah 4:6, our lives are transformed not by our might, not by our power, but by the power of the Spirit of God.
Do you wrestle with feelings that you can’t become all God wants you to be? Are you haunted by fears of failure, that you may not overcome your past? Remember, you are not alone. By virtue of your faith in Christ, He is guiding and upholding you through the power of His almighty hand. Let your fears turn to joy at the realization that the future is brighter than you could ever imagine—no matter what has happened in the past.
What will happen if we try to rely on our own strength or wisdom to overcome the struggles of our past?
What’s the biggest regret from your past that you struggle to overcome? How will knowing that God is constantly at work in you help in winning this battle?
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