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God Works, We Cooperate

As we have been learning, it is God who initiates and empowers restoration in our lives. This passage draws us back to that important truth when it tells us that it is “God who works” in us to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose. This passage, however, also points to the vital truth that we are not to be passive bystanders in what God is doing in our lives. We are told to “work out” our salvation. 

Now, it’s important to note that it doesn’t say to “work for” our salvation. That’s impossible. Jesus has already done everything that was necessary for our salvation when He died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later.

What does it mean to “work out” our salvation? It means we must position ourselves for continued growth and take advantage of every spiritual resource at our disposal cooperate with the work of restoration. It means we attend church, we read our bible, we spend time in private and corporate prayer, we allow God to make changes in our lives, we listen to counsel from our Christian friends, we strive to be godly spouses, we.... you get the picture. We cooperate with God’s restoration process. If we willfully resist restoration, the process will come to a screeching halt. The Holy Spirit will not go where he is not invited.

Today, ask God to continue to bring restoration to your life and ask Him what you need to do to better cooperate with the work He wants to do in your life. And then do what God tells you to do, remembering this little story. There were five blackbirds perched on a fence. Four of them decided to fly away. How many were left?

Five – because there’s a difference between deciding to do something and actually doing it.

PRAYER

Lord, I praise you for the work you are doing in my life. I confess that, without you, change would be impossible. I am powerless to change myself. On the other hand, I know that I am personally responsible to cooperate with your plans and purposes for me. Help me become the person you created me to be, walking in holiness and love. I completely surrender to the transforming, restoring work of your Holy Spirit.