The Life That Changes Everything

“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 2:13-14 (NIV)

What's the difference between working for your salvation and working out your salvation? 

Everything.

You don’t work for salvation because Jesus already earned that. But you do work out your salvation, like a miner extracting precious metals from a mountain. The gold is already there; you just have to dig it out. 

The word “sanctification” means “to make holy.” That’s exactly why salvation isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of God’s work with you. He slowly transforms you by His Spirit, making you holy.

God places incredible treasures inside of you: His Spirit, His power, His purposes. But those don’t automatically manifest in your daily life without you partnering with Him.

Think of it like a farmer who told his pastor, “You should have seen this farm when God had it all by Himself.” The land had potential, but it required a partnership between God’s provision and human participation. 

You don’t even have to create the will to participate! God Himself promises to work in you to grow both the desire and the ability to do what’s right. He doesn’t just command obedience; He empowers you to obey. But you still must choose to walk with Him through worship, reading the Scripture, service and sharing your faith. 

God is ready to empower you to fulfil His purposes today. Think about your relationships with your family, personal struggles, or your commitment to share your faith. When you feel tired or uncertain, receive His empowering presence. He will give you both the desire to follow His Will and the power to act how He has called you to. 

Read today’s verse again and trust Him: you’ve got everything you need.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me Your Spirit and directing me in Your purpose. Help me actively participate in the work You're doing in me. Give me discipline to grow through worship, study, service, and witness. I want to fully experience all You've placed within me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.