Our scripture this morning is Philippians 1:4-6 (NLT).
Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Paul expresses his confidence “that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” This simple statement tells us much about our faith and our call to be part of what God is doing in the world. It speaks of His presence with us, the power of prayer and our responsibility to spread the Good News.
First, we learn that God will never stop what He is doing in our lives to help us strengthen our relationship with Him and our brothers and sisters. We read in Isaiah 41:13 “For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” He is always there for us.
Paul says “Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy.” He knows that prayer is effective and it does us good as well when we pray for each other. He also reminds them (and us) that we are all “partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.” All of these work together to allow us to use our gifts as Jesus commanded to “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times when our energy and focus fade and we don’t accomplish the work You have for us. Refresh us and send us to share Your love with everyone. Amen.
