Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is perfection, when God’s ultimate goal for the Christian has been completed, “To be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). But please never forget, that will take a lifetime and will not be completed until God brings us home into our heavenly rest. Until then, we are to focus on progress.
The One who began this good work has promised to carry it on to completion, which means, He is working in and through everything that is going on in our lives. Is this not a comfort for you right where this finds you? You are not what you will one day be, but you are not what you once were. God is at work and He is using everything in your life to accomplish His goal of conforming Christ in you. God is using both your victories and your defeats and He never leaves any work unfinished, including you.
Remember, being in an unfinished condition does not mean you are unloved, unwanted, or unwelcomed. Simply, you are unfinished. And to leave you in your unfinished condition would not be for His glory or your good, and that would be unacceptable. God knows exactly what He is doing in your life and will not stop short of His gracious design as He brings you into your “divine destiny.” Regardless of every obstacle that comes up against you, the world, the flesh, and the devil, God will let nothing hinder His Holy progress of perfecting you.
So, regardless of where this finds you, God is not finished with you yet. In both your days of sunshine and storms, He is strengthening you in your faith and growing you up in Christ, perfecting His promise from the pen of the psalmist, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (Psalm 138:8 NKJV). Pause for a moment to let that truth sink in. God is concerned about everything you are concerned about and wants you to keep in view the work He is doing both in and through you that one day will be brought to completion. And on that great and glorious day, all the progress God has performed in your life will be brought into perfection. Let that truth set you free to be all God is calling you to be.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 