Working

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

A few years ago, my oldest son and I were having a conversation; well, more like an argument. The heated debate ended with him saying, “Dad, you never tell me that you are proud of me. I’ve been working hard to do my best, and all you see is my shortcomings.” Ouch. Was he right? Well, of course, I did not think so. I told him often that “I love you.” I’m sure that there were even times I said, “I’m proud of you.” But of course, he did not see it that way. That was a hard lesson to learn, and honestly, I try often to let family, friends, and acquaintances know that “I am proud of them.” 

When was the last time someone told you that they were proud of you because of your work? Whether you are 98 or 8, we do long to hear those words from someone; “I am proud of you.” 

Friends, during this time of sabbatical, I have reflected on the past few months. Each of you has been working so hard; you have given, participated, loved, and most importantly, shared Christ during this pandemic. Just last week, we received the following from a parent in East Tennessee. Her children were receipts of our VBS box. “I just wanted to write a note to say thank you so much to you and the other at UABC who made this VBS possible. My 11yr old daughter was baptized yesterday, and part of her decision was due to what she learned and experienced during your virtual VBS!”

Friends, your work is paying off! God’s working in you is paying off! Paul wrote to the Philippians in 2:12-13, encouraging the church to light the world. In verse 12, he recorded, “So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12 HCSB). Then immediately following in verse 13; “For God is working in you, enabling you to work out His good purposes.” The Philippian Christians can carry out the appeal of v.12 because God himself produces in believers both the desire to live righteously and the adequate energy to do so. God does not demand of us what we cannot do.

Furthermore, the provision from God takes into account our every need. It is not always enough to “will” something, for good intentions are not always carried out. God himself must energize our wills. 

The grandest benefit of having some time off has been that this one thing has been confirmed. I’m proud of you. I’m pleased with UABC. I’m proud of the work that each of you is allowing God to do in your life. As a result, individuals are giving their life to Christ. But, friends, our work is to continue. We need to continue to be the light in MidTown, the salt to the daycare families we serve, the light to those who attend on Sunday, and those who cross our paths every day. 

Thank you for continuing to trust me and for allowing me to observe God’s working in our family of faith at UABC! I’m proud of you!

Pastor Jeff