Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week Dave encouraged us with the great truth that we can have confidence that God is using us and working through us. As I've thought about that truth this week, the Lord reminded me of this verse in Paul's letter to the Philippians:

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13 ESV)

In the context of this verse, Paul is encouraging us to work out our salvation, knowing that God works in us. In the same way, we are useful to the Lord and his purposes for impacting others and our world because the Spirit empowers us. God works in us and through us as a means of accomplishing his good pleasure.

We can take comfort in God's sovereign plans because he is working out what pleases him. Just like the illustration of the knitting circle, we don't always get to see the finished side. We may only be looking at what seems to be a messy bunch of thread. But on the other side is a work of grace that God knows, is fully in control of, and brings him glory and pleasure.

Let's rest in God's sovereignty this week as we work, knowing God is working in and through us for what pleases him.