PHILIPPIANS 2:13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose

TO PONDER 

As I read this verse for today it reminds me of a conversation I have had with my Dad in recent weeks. 

My elderly father, following a fall at home 12 months ago, required transportation from a Regional city to Melbourne for surgery that we were not sure he would survive. By the grace of God, Dad pulled through and spent the following 4-5 months away from home in rehabilitation and respite. Since the accident, his overall health including cognitive function has deteriorated markedly to the point that he now requires daily visitation care and is on the verge of having to move into full-time care at the aged care facility he and my Mum are in. Dad mentioned to me that he's ready for the good Lord to take him home. Dad (& my Mum) have been instrumental in my faith life and their unshakeable faith is such an example to me and indeed a tower of strength.

Whilst Dad was not complaining, he was inherently indicating that he is good and ready to be taken to his eternal home in Heaven if it is God's will. I said to Dad, Yes, the good Lord will take you home when He is ready and the fact that you are here with us means that He still has a purpose for you here on earth. 

Whilst God's purpose for us might not be overly obvious to us at times, we can let the Holy Spirit live within us and work His ways, presenting us with opportunities for Him to assist us in carrying out His purpose (God’s purpose for us). For my Dad, this might be using the opportunity to spread God's word or show Christ's love to the carers who visit daily, to the carers who transport him to medical appointments, to the reception staff at the medical practice or even those sitting in the waiting room.    

Are you letting God work within you to fulfill His good purpose?     

 PRAYER: Heavenly Carpenter, help me to be a willing disciple and let you carve, shape and craft me just the way you want me, so that I can fulfil the very purpose you have for me here on earth as your child.  Amen      

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping