Let God Form His Will in You

Philippians 2:12-13 shows that God works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure. This truth speaks to anyone who looks inward and feels discouraged by desires that still do not reflect what Christ teaches.

There are changes we wish we could make quickly. We try to control our thoughts or overcome certain attitudes through discipline. Effort matters, but inner transformation depends on God working within us.

This process also requires our response. When His Word exposes a wrong motive, we need to acknowledge it before Him and decide what to do with what we now understand. Sometimes God reaches into a desire we have defended for a long time.

Along the way, we may discover that even some of our prayers have been shaped by pride or by the need to control the outcome. God patiently works in those places and teaches us to desire what agrees with His character.

You may notice some resistance within yourself today. Do not hide it from the Lord. Bring Him what is still difficult to surrender and remain open to the work He wants to accomplish in you.

12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.