"for it is God who works in you" ~Philippians 2:12-13

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” ~Philippians 2:12-13

That’s confusing, isn’t it? Work out your own salvation? Jesus did that for us - we can’t work our way to heaven. So what does this mean?

It’s your own inner “coming to terms” with what God is doing in you. It is discovering that God is the One making your light shine. It could be worded, “Sort out HOW you have salvation.” The ‘fear and trembling’ is an awe, a wonderment of 'how is this possible?” When we are receptive, God makes us willing to do His will! And not only that, He gives us the ability and energy to do what makes Him smile! And rewards us for doing it. Wow.

The next verse says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing”. EVERYTHING? Yes, everything. Often when I know God is nudging me to do something, I have learned to ask Him to make me WANT to do it. And with joy.

The good news is that this isn’t a one-and-done - the verbs used show that it is an ongoing willing and working. God is all about infinite chances - He loves us THAT much!

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