Devotion

Philippians gives hope to every believer who wants to grow but recognizes weakness. God works in us not only to help us do His will, but also to shape our desire for it. He changes the heart as well as the actions.

We are still called to obey, repent, learn, and make wise choices. Yet we do not do those things alone. The desire to turn from sin, the courage to make a hard decision, and the strength to keep serving can all be evidence of God’s work within us. Spiritual growth is a partnership of grace and response.

This verse keeps us from two errors. We do not become passive, assuming God will do everything while we do nothing. We also do not become proud, imagining that change depends only on our discipline. We work out our faith because God is already at work in us. That truth gives both humility and hope for the process of becoming more like Christ.