"When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christlike, it solves a great deal of anxiety."
A.W. Tozer
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6 ESV)
I am in a season right now where I am so thankful for sanctification. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's patient, persistent and loving diligence in working on my wayward heart. It has not come without the begging, the anxious hesitancy, the questions. But He is beautifully faithful when I am not. He never takes no for an answer. He never gives up, packs up and leaves. Even when I run He brings that same old rotten apple out of the fridge, and reminds me that He is set on transforming me. And this brings me joy--I think more joy than sanctification ever has. It reveals to me His sovereignty in my salvation, His great care and attention to every bit of my life. I'm so thankful to have a Savior who is is more devoted to my holiness than I am. I'm so thankful for a Savior who works in me to will and to do all He's created me to do, that He has not only provided for my regeneration, but also for my perseverance. Surely this makes life sweet--hoping in Jesus's finished work on the cross, rejoicing in the presence and power of the Spirit within me until I am reunited with Him. There are still burdens, struggles and pain. There is still discipline, and times of unbelief. But to be brought back to the hope of Jesus constantly is so beautiful. I love how the gospel never gets old, how it is always afresh with every sin in my life. Though my heart is full of so many idols and sins, Jesus is perfectly and wonderfully faithful to weed them out that I might know Him more and give Him the glory.
It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the LORD; we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
(Isaiah 25:9 ESV)
