CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
Billy and Ruth Graham, were driving through a town when road construction brought traffic to a halt. As they waited for the flagman to wave them on, Ruth noticed a sign that read, “Please pardon our mess. Construction in progress.” Ruth smiled, turned to Billy, and said, “That sign is a perfect description of every person’s life.”
It’s true. We’re all under construction. We’re all a mess. And we’re all works in progress. Philippians 2:13 states, “It is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it” (ERV). In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Together, those two verses provide a powerful “one-two punch.” God is always working in our lives. Jackhammering away our hard edges. Smoothing our rough exterior. Leveling our uneven places. It’s a never-ending process of transformation (Romans 12:2). And… he will continue molding and shaping us until Jesus returns. We’re all works in progress.
Consider the popular “wall-plaque” proverb, “Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.” Or how about this one? “I’m not where I should be, but by God’s grace, I’m not where I used to be”
We need to be patient with others, because we’re all works in progress. But how about being patient with ourselves? How about giving ourselves the same grace we show others? How about stop beating ourselves up, when we mess up, as we grow up?
The enemy loves to dump a load of shame on us because we’re not where we “should” be. God’s construction projects can be painfully slow. It’s easy to lose sight of the progress He’s making in our transformation. Remember, God is always working in our lives, and he never gives up on us.
We want to do what’s right, but no matter how hard we try, we fail. Paul describes this epic battle in Romans 7:14-25, and concludes by saying, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ.” That’s the answer. We’re never going to be where we ought to be, but we trust that God’s construction projects are slowly transforming us by Christ’s power. Remember, you’re a work in progress and God’s not finished with you yet.
UPDATE ON LINDA: Linda has a positive, hopeful mindset, even on days when she struggles with not feeling well. Her tumors appear to have leveled off. Detox days are good, even when she feels not-so-good.
Principle: Be patient, because God’s not finished with us yet.
Ponder:
What flaw are you most anxious for God’s to transform in you?
As you wait, what can you do to help this process?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Philippians 1 and 2.
Prayer: Lord God, you are the Master Contractor who works to transform me. Help me to submit to your work in me. As you work, please give me patience to trust you.