Daily Devo

Abiding is Refining

By: Jim Hodgins

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Being 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

So, what exactly is Philippians 1:6 saying? God is timeless, so He knows the exact moment our lives will end. He knows every move we'll make until we take our last breath. God knows what we'll do beforehand, but He still allows us to make choices. In a way, all of us are waiting on one of two things to happen: Jesus' second coming or our earthly demise. But as long as we're still here in these earthly bodies, we are able to influence others. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can make an eternal difference in someone else's life. We'll never understand God's plans or the depths of how He plans to use us... but He does!

As Christ followers, this should bring us comfort. At times, we may stumble and fall. But when we fail, we have an advocate, the Holy Spirit. He is living inside us, and He will guide, correct, and comfort us. If we'll rely on Him, He will give us the spiritual strength to make a difference in our world. God’s grace allows us to be a "pipeline" for His plans, and His blessings. I hope you don't mind my pun, but God knows we "conduit" (can do it)! But He also gives us the choice, we can either choose to participate, or we can stay on the sidelines.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NKJV)

Abiding in Christ (staying close to Him) is essential to fulfilling our God-given potential. Take comfort and know the Lord has placed you right where He wants you. Submit to His will, draw close to Him, and allow Him to sanctify your life. It will result in more fruit than we can even imagine. Abiding in God means obeying Him. This includes obeying those "nudges" we get from the Holy Spirit. Here's a great question we must all ask ourselves: Are we listening to and following Jesus... or are we choosing to go through life our way?

If you need help submitting to God's guidance and direction, cry out to Him in prayer. Consider praying something like this: Lord, help me abide in you. Sanctify me as I submit to your will and help me to boldly share the Good News with everyone you put in front of me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Read: John 15:4-7, John 15:16, Galatians 2:20