It Is a Process—Not a Product

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. —Philippians 1:6, NLT

Every day we are bombarded with information that encourages us to change, to become the best version of ourselves—better than we have ever been.

I am sure you have seen some version of this message.

When I determined it was time for me to change, I began to listen to all the voices. Some told me to journal. I tried it but found I could not keep it up on a daily basis. Others suggested meditation. I was not comfortable with the “Eastern thought” meditation. Finally I began to understand that I could not change myself without outside help.

So I turned to the Lord, and He reminded me that I was first His. He created me as a person with free choice, and He had just been waiting for me to ask for His help. Now, let me make this admission—I am the person who needs to be in control. Yet the Lord reminded me that if I really wanted to change, I could not do it on my own.

I would definitely have to let go and allow Him to be in control. It was freeing to know I did not have to work this out on my own. He would handle everything I was willing to put in His hands. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11, NLT).

Here is another admission—even though I know this to be true, it is still a daily challenge to allow Him to be God. I find encouragement in the fact the Lord does not change me all at once. I do not think I could handle that. He walks with me every day, and He allows me to be me, and sometimes that means He rescues me from myself.

I love that He never says, “I told you so!” In fact, in our quiet moments, He asks if I learned anything from my experience. Since He has not yet returned, I look forward to the day when He has finished His work in me. I will spend the ceaseless ages of eternity praising Him and thanking Him for His lovingkindness and patience toward me and the place He has prepared with me in mind. One day soon, friends. It is not long now.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Wilma Kirk Lee