God always finishes what He begins
Paul said this to the church in Philippi, “[I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). When he wrote this, Paul was in prison. The church he was writing to was experiencing trouble from outside and inside. The initial excitement and glory of being saved faded under the dark clouds of struggle. Unlike today, there weren’t churches in every town. There were no television broadcasts or radio shows. Just this church in Philippi in a bit of a struggle, while the man who first introduced them to Jesus was in prison. Struggle, persecution, confusion, and infighting. Things weren’t as bright as they used to be, so Paul wrote them a letter.
This is what he wanted them to know: he who began this good work will finish it. He wasn’t talking about himself; he was talking about God, who carries out his work even when his people are limited, constrained, broken, and even doubting. This was as much as Paul could do, namely write a letter. But God would be faithful to finish what he started. He wouldn’t forget about them. And he would never leave them be in the midst of their struggle.
God is faithful to his children—always has been and forever will be, no matter what comes. Just like Paul, each of us is limited. We’re human and can only do so much, and even then, it never seems like enough. But God is not limited. He is able to do whatever pleases him.
This is why Paul began with this statement, “being confident of this...” The Greek word translated as “being confident” means “persuaded or convinced.” Paul wasn’t simply trying to create a Hallmark moment with inspiring words. On the contrary, he had been convinced of God’s faithfulness. He meant, “I’ve seen God at work. I’ve experienced his power and faithfulness. I’ve been convinced that there is nothing he begins that he doesn’t have the power to finish. And he will most certainly finish what he has begun in you.” The Message says it this way: “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it.”
His confidence wasn’t in himself. It was only in God. He had seen God come through countless times. He had experienced the power of God to break through impenetrable barriers—even his own hardened heart. He knew that even though he was bound, “the word of God was not bound.” It moved from town to city, from person to person, from cell to cell, and from heart to heart by the power of the Spirit.
God is able to work when we cannot in ways that we never could. He is the God with whom nothing is impossible. He is the God who directs the course of history, stars, and storms. He turns the heart of kings like the course of water. He creates something from nothing. And when he starts something, he always, always sees it through to the end.
He will see his plans fulfilled and every one of his children made complete. You can count on that