A devotional by Glynis Becker
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
I have a fascination with construction projects.
We live in a rural area, so we don’t see anything in the way of skyscrapers or really tall buildings, but watching the process of creating a road where once there was only dirt or seeing a shopping center rise from a plot of land is pretty amazing.
Do you know what I’m most amazed by, though? When a project completely changes the landscape.
A few years ago in our area, a hill that had been used for waterslides was leveled to make way for something new. Construction equipment moved tons and tons of dirt and completely flattened the land for an enormous building. The amount of work—through resources and manpower and equipment and time—that goes into a project of that scale is unbelievable to me. Anyone new to town would never be able to guess that there used to be a huge hill there.
God is also in the construction business. He wants to transform our hearts, our lives, our wills, into something He can use. We need to allow Him to do whatever work needs to be done. Sometimes that involves sledgehammers tearing down walls we’ve created through sin and idolatry. Sometimes He helps build bridges to reconciliation and healing for ourselves and others.
I love hearing people’s stories of how God has brought them out of addictions or the occult. Those dramatic witnesses are huge construction projects and important for the collective story of what the power of Christ can do here and now. But what if you and I have stories that are more like remodels than from-the-ground-up projects? Those are certainly important too.
Do you know what I’m most amazed by, though? When a project completely changes the landscape.
A few years ago in our area, a hill that had been used for waterslides was leveled to make way for something new. Construction equipment moved tons and tons of dirt and completely flattened the land for an enormous building. The amount of work—through resources and manpower and equipment and time—that goes into a project of that scale is unbelievable to me. Anyone new to town would never be able to guess that there used to be a huge hill there.
God is also in the construction business. He wants to transform our hearts, our lives, our wills, into something He can use. We need to allow Him to do whatever work needs to be done. Sometimes that involves sledgehammers tearing down walls we’ve created through sin and idolatry. Sometimes He helps build bridges to reconciliation and healing for ourselves and others.
I love hearing people’s stories of how God has brought them out of addictions or the occult. Those dramatic witnesses are huge construction projects and important for the collective story of what the power of Christ can do here and now. But what if you and I have stories that are more like remodels than from-the-ground-up projects? Those are certainly important too.
What if one day I realize I no longer feel a need to gossip? Or that the way I relate to my family or friends has become a lot more grace-filled? Those might not make headlines, but they are important steps to a better life for ourselves and a better world for everyone.
Those small steps of transformation often lay the groundwork for something greater. Each time we see God’s handiwork in our lives, it becomes an opportunity for us to be of better use to Him in the world.
It’s a new year, which naturally brings a time of self-reflection and opportunity. What sort of changes would you like to work with God to bring about this year? Do you need an attitude shift or a major overhaul? Pray about it. Be humble about it. He is faithful and He is good.
Remember: There are no DIY (“do-it-yourself”) projects around here! These changes only work if God is the one in charge!
Let’s Pray: Father God, help me be humble enough to ask for Your help this year and always. Show me where I need a change. Give me the strength to let You build me or break me, whatever is the best for Your kingdom. You are the Great Builder and only through You can I do anything. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Author Bio:
Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.
She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.
Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.
When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.
~*~
Connect with Glynis:
It’s a new year, which naturally brings a time of self-reflection and opportunity. What sort of changes would you like to work with God to bring about this year? Do you need an attitude shift or a major overhaul? Pray about it. Be humble about it. He is faithful and He is good.
Remember: There are no DIY (“do-it-yourself”) projects around here! These changes only work if God is the one in charge!
Let’s Pray: Father God, help me be humble enough to ask for Your help this year and always. Show me where I need a change. Give me the strength to let You build me or break me, whatever is the best for Your kingdom. You are the Great Builder and only through You can I do anything. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.
~*~
Author Bio:
Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.
Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.
When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.
~*~
Connect with Glynis:
Website: www.glynisbecker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7
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