Focus Scripture: 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. Philippians 2:13
Recently, I heard stories from two individuals regarding their relationships with their fathers that caused me to think about mine. Our backgrounds and upbringings where different, but we shared similar emotions and expectations when it came to our fathers, when we were younger. We were angry because we couldn’t understand why our fathers made the decisions they did that affected our families the way they did.
But by the grace of God, we have all moved on from that place, and have forgiven our fathers. Another similarity we share that granted us the ability to move on from that place is, we were willing to make the first move. But, not without the work and will of God that worked in us to do His pleasure.
In order to get to this place, we had to be willing to forgive first, be vulnerable first, and be willing to be hurt again first.
Often times, in our relationships and interactions with people, we have expectations of how our encounters should go, only to find ourselves disappointed with the outcome.
That however is not an excuse for us to respond in ways that do not please God. The fact of the matter is, if the situation or person never changes, as Christians, we are obligated to operate in God honoring principals. But I’m so grateful that His word promises us that He will work in us both to will and do for His good pleasure. God never calls us to do something that He never equips us to accomplish.
Is there any area of your life that you need to make the first move? Do you need to let your guard down and begin to tare down the walls to allow God to strengthen, energize, and create in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose?
Prayer: Merciful Father, You are so great! Thank You for showing me that the only expectation that is guaranteed to be met is through You alone. Thank You that not only do You have the power, but You also give me the power to want to do what pleases You. It won’t always be easy, but strengthen me to be willing to make the first move regardless of the outcome. And I am confident that You will get all the glory. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen!
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