Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬ 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.
‭‭

We live in a society that promotes comfort and idolizes financial security. These things in and of itself are fine but when they start to become our leader and anchor as to how we live our purpose in Christ, is when it becomes a problem. When was the last time you prayed to God, “Lord, show me the idols hidden in my heart?” How often do you pray, “show me where I have grieved Your Spirit?” To habitually believe that we have no areas that need to be addressed through the light of God’s Word or the fire of His Spirit, is spiritual blindness at its finest.

Here in the text, the writer reiterates a truth that the church of Phillipi is all too familiar with and has already heard. It speaks of how we can’t continue the work started through our faith in Christ in our own strength but God’s (alone)! Far too often, we get so comfortable in our walk with Christ that we forget we are to go from glory to glory and faith to faith. Even naturally, we see how vast and fast the world is changing, growing, and evolving be it good and often bad. So how be it that we foolishly believe we get to stay comfortable in our purpose in Christ? The moment we forfeit to grow in Christ (in all areas), is the moment we start to operate in the comfort of our carnality. So, when God shows us the hidden places of fear that prevents us from growing in His love out of possible rejection or embarrassment we have to submit that fear to God and remember that He too was rejected. Just as we are co-heirs of His glory we are also co-heirs of His rejection. Whatever your hidden idol of comfort may be that is preventing you from excelling in Christ I pray that you write it down. Don’t make light of it because He wants to do a beautiful work in your surrender.

Just as the scripture states, it is He Who energizes and strengthens you to do His Will because He was the One Who created you. As the potter molds the clay into a vase to pour out to those in need of thirst so does God mold us to pour out to a dying world in need of a cup from the Well that never runs dry. As a good Potter, He fills the cracks that often come through years of use and inactivity. So, we do not have to be ashamed when cracks like idols or carnality creep into our lives. No! We humbly welcome the Potter in as He mends every crevice of brokenness where the enemy has taken habitation. Let the God of your end be the God of your now – meaning don’t get too comfortable. There is a calling of higher faith, new territory, and a more surrendered life waiting for you if only your heart answers. Although He stands at the door and knock was not just for salvation. Sometimes, it is a repeated knock because we allowed too many things to take up the space of our hearts. God will not stay where He does not reign supreme. It’s time to re-open the door and let God finish the perfect work He started through His Son, Jesus Christ, in you! Be blessed.