POWER OF THE WORD: WORKING POWER
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
When we become part of God’s adopted family, we have work to do. God gives us a new family, a new identity and a new purpose. Thankfully, He doesn’t give us all these gifts and leaves us to figure it out alone. God is fiercely and relentlessly dedicated to every step in transforming us to look more like Jesus.
Philippians 2:13 drives this reality home and shows that God knows our hearts well. God gives us the power to do what pleases Him. In yesterday’s devotion, we discussed how He gives us the Holy Spirit to transform us from within and guide us in God’s will. But God also provides us with the desire to do what pleases Him. A crucial part of the transformation process isn’t just to do what God wants but to want to do what God wants.
If we’re being honest, we often struggle to trust that God knows what He’s doing. It sounds absurd to say that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, but our actions communicate this belief whenever we sin or choose our way over His. God must rewire our brains to acknowledge and believe His way is right. This is a process that takes time and continued effort.
The late Dallas Willard was considered by many to be a giant of the faith. Many have benefited from his books and teachings over the years. Just before he died, someone asked him what a person should do if they wanted to grow spiritually. His response was simple: Do the next right thing you know you ought to do. It’s simple, but this is how we grow in our desire and power to do what pleases God.
APPLICATION: Practice this today. When you need to make a decision, whether you think you know the correct thing to do or not, take a moment to ask God's opinion before doing it.
PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases You. Give me a heart that wants to please You in every decision and circumstance. Help me delight in delighting You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?