“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

 

Nobody really likes change. It is difficult and sometimes violent; certainly it never waits until we are ready for it. There was no one sitting there, ready and waiting for COVID-19 to start. And yet it did anyway, catching the world off guard and forcing us all to change on the fly. It has created challenges and difficulties, yet has provided us an opportunity.

 

Scripture teaches us that God is consistently working in us for our growth as Christians. We are not a finished product and won’t become one until we reach Glory. So what is the best opportunity for growth? Challenge. And challenge is a natural by-product of change. Though difficult and possibly even scary, we are being given an opportunity to grow through this event and come out of it closer to God in our relationship with Him, as well as being better sharers of the grace and love He offers us freely.

 

The church in Philippi faced many challenges in their day. There was resistance and persecution, at least enough that it caught Paul’s attention (while he himself was in jail) and spawned a letter to them encouraging them in their situation and reminding them that discipleship is not a one-time thing. It is a lifetime of growing in the Lord, and the difficulties we face help mold us daily into looking more like Him.

 

Yes, we are all facing challenges. I hope that you seem them as such, and as reminders that the more we turn towards God, the more of Him we will get and the more benefit experiences like this will give us. Stay healthy, but stay actively engaged in your relationship with the Creator. He is working this situation out for good in your life; both now and eternally.

 

Your challenge today is to read all 4 chapters of Philippians. Read the book straight through and let me know that you did. Blessings to you all!