Philippians: Joy in ChristSample

Confident in Christ’s Work

When I was a teenager with more questions than answers, one of the first people who truly saw something in me was a youth pastor named Josh. He wasn’t flashy or loud—he was present. He listened more than he spoke, and when he did speak, his words carried the weight of heaven’s hope. I didn’t feel like I had anything significant to offer back then, but Josh made time for me anyway. He believed in what God could do in my life, even when I didn’t.

Josh didn’t live to see the fruit of those early seeds he helped plant. He died tragically in a car accident long before I did anything that might seem meaningful. But I often reflect on what he would say if he were here now. I’m convinced he’d remind me—and you—that it’s not about what we’ve done. It’s about what God is doing and will continue to do.

That’s exactly the spirit of Philippians 1. Paul, writing from prison, overflows with joy—not because of his situation, but because of the work God is doing in others. He sees the church in Philippi and knows one thing for sure: God finishes what He starts. Paul doesn’t say, “I hope God finishes.” He says, “I am sure of this.” That kind of confidence doesn’t come from seeing the full picture but from trusting the character of the Artist.

Maybe today you feel unsure about your progress. Perhaps you wonder if anything meaningful is really taking shape in your life. Remember this: You are God’s workmanship, not your own project. He began a good work in you—and He’s not finished. Not even close.

And when someone like Josh steps into your story, know that they are simply echoes of God’s voice—reminding you that your story matters because He’s writing it.

Respond to God’s Word:

Write down one area where you need to trust that God is still working. Pray that you will live in a way that reflects the gospel in that area.