By Evonne Wimbush
Fresh Harvest Christian Church (D.O.C.)
2021 will be here in just a few short days. I imagine there are many of you that are planning their New Year’s celebration and/or their New Year’s resolution. It is time to begin again or, a time to continue what has already begun.
In the sixth chapter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul is telling the Philippians of his confidence in their perseverance and sanctification and giving them words of encouragement. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” The words of Paul were to motivate the Philippians to continue their work in Christ. He lets them know that there would be times when the going would get rough, when the hills would be particularly hard to climb and the support would be scarce. He reminds the people of their author and finisher and that He will be with them until the day in which Jesus shall return.
I am reminded of writing research papers. I would write notes, sentences, mark through them, finally to ball up the paper and throw it in the trash. Each time I threw away a sheet of paper, I had the task of beginning again. I would continue in this manner until I “perfected” what I wanted to submit to my professor for grading. The finished product was one more accomplishment towards the desired end, the awarding of my selected degree. I would get frustrated and often time want to give up, but I persevered. Our walk on this Christian journey is a lot like this process. Going back to the scripture, we are reminded that He who began a good work in us Will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), “……I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 6:11, “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.” Even when making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, quit smoking, get a new job, or finish a college course, you have the goal of completion. I imagine that the first part is to make up in your mind to stick with it and make it happen. As you apply this determination to your physical life, consider applying it to your spiritual life. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matthew 5:11 (KJV). Continue in your walk with Christ. No matter what people say about you; no matter how many friends turn their backs on you, work towards completing your assignment. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Happy New Year to you and May the grace and peace of God abound in you. Whether you choose to begin again or continue in your current spiritual path, remember God is with you and will be with you. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
