“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Jesus tells us “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Romans 12:9 tells us, “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

John 1:12 tells us, “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.”

The scriptures are clear. God saves those who believe and receive his gift of eternal life through his Son Jesus Christ.

Even though the testimony of scriptures are sure, there are times when we struggle with believing that God could love us. The problem is our sight. Our sight bears witness to our many sins and failures.

But faith is the opposite of sight. Faith is to believe that we are saved because that is what God promised through his word even when our seeing tells us that we are sinners.

The reason why we continue to sin is because we are still a work in process. God is not done working in and through us. This is sanctification. This is what becoming more like Christ looks like. As long as we live in this flesh, this body, we will wrestle with sin. That we struggle and wrestle, instead of giving into sin, is proof that the Holy Spirit is still working in us.

Keep at it. Keep going. God is working in you right now. We are works in process.

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6)

All this…

• The global pandemic
• Racial tension and upheaval
• Economic turmoil
• Not worshiping in person
• Social distancing
• Social isolation

All this…

God is at work in you to make you more complete. God is working through these situations to use you to be a light and hope to a world floundering. God is working right now. God is working right now in you and through you.

It is not enough to endure and survive. God has given us everything in his church and through his Holy Spirit for us to thrive.

Jesus tells us in John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

Because God is at work through the Holy Spirit, Jesus tells us, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in my will also do the works that I do and in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

Isn’t that amazing?!?!

Endure? Survive?!?!

Are you kidding me?!?! God is at work in you and me and promises to do an amazing work in and through you. Do not settle for enduring or surviving.

The key is abiding and working with the Holy Spirit. The key is allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and shape you.

Church, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”

Thrive!

“He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far he removes our transgressions from us”
(Psalm 103:10-12)

Amen, amen, amen!

God’s steadfast love and grace is my only hope. And that is more than enough!

God’s love is so amazing. God knows us better than anyone else and still loves us, is for us, and wants what is best for us.

The enemy constantly reminds you of all that you are not and all that you lack. God is always telling you of everything you are because of all that God has already done for you in Jesus Christ.

The enemy tells you, you must do more. God tells us, it’s all already been done.

You have a choice. You can either choose to listen to the voice of the enemy, or you can hold fast to the all that God declares in his word.

Choose God.

God loves you. God wants what is best for you. Trust in God and follow him.