As I’ve grown older, I’ve grown more unsure. Not wishy- washy, whatever-direction-the-wind-is-blowing unsure, but a realization that the more I know, the more I discover what I don’t know.  I used to be fairly confident that I had a lot more about life figured out. Maybe it was the vanity of youth because now I’m not so sure.  

In world where truth is relative and personal preference and opinion trumps reality, Paul writes, “I’m sure of this…” Finally, some certainty we can sink our teeth in! Of what is Paul so certain? He is confident that God will finish the work he started. 

There are at least a few things in life of which we can be sure. We can be assured God started a good work. He initiated the work of salvation in your life and is faithfully invested in your spiritual growth. 

Your life is not your own self-improvement project because you belong to him, and it’s not because you finally figured things out or wised up.

Colossians 1:21-22 tells us the very opposite: “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” God started the work in you, and he will keep at it until you are presented to him. I find this is very good news to remember when my faith is fickle. But I have to be honest, I thought God would be a little further along in this project that is my spiritual life. 

In my fourth decade of following Christ, I thought I’d be more loving, more kind, more patient, more thoughtful. But instead I find that I’ve got a ways to go!  Thankfully, there’s hope.

God began a good work in you. He initiated the work. It’s his deal. God is changing us, and he uses a number of different means to accomplish his work. He uses his word, his people, our life experiences, and the decisions we make. But the primary worker in God’s work is God. God is changing you. God cares more about your spiritual growth than you do.

Do you believe that God changes people? I think most people would say “yes” in their minds, but perhaps be more cynical in practice. In reality, it’s pretty easy to believe the familiar adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” And I kind of believe it too…because, well, I have a Jack Russell terrier who will not learn new tricks. I was initially hopeful, but now I don’t even try. I’ve heard people say, “I am what I am” or “A zebra can’t change his stripes.”  Well, says who!? God created the world with a spoken word. He upholds the world with the power of his word; he parts seas and withers trees; he gives sight and sends foreign armies to flight. God multiplies bread and raises the dead. A friend once told me that, “All things are little things to God.” Why can’t he change you?  

If you’re unsure, look at the author of these words. Paul. You know his history.  He persecuted God’s people, threatening and murdering Christ followers; yet it was nothing for God to stop him on that road to Damascus and transform him. Paul recognized God’s grace in doing this. And God is doing a good work in you too. He’s changing you through his grace. In a world of uncertainty, this is our confidence.