2 Timothy 2:21- Amplified Bible 21So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.
God Never Starts Anything that He Won’t Finish
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” - Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible (AMP)
God unlike man is not a liar. He also doesn’t give up on a project in the middle because He became bored or frustrated. God never starts anything that He doesn’t intend to finish. There are times when you feel like God has changed His mind about you but He hasn’t. He’s not that kind of God. If He promised it, He will perform it. God has made an investment in you and He plans to get a return on His investment.
I have been in the middle of a test and honestly I began to question myself first. I wondered if I had heard God correctly. Then I questioned God, wondering if God had changed His mind. I poured my heart out to the Lord saying surely if this is for me; I shouldn’t be experiencing so much pain. I figured either I was wrong in the first place or He had changed His mind. God reminded me that (1) I heard Him correctly and (2) He does not lie and He changes not. He took me to Philippians 1:6 pointing out that He had begun the work and He will complete it. He also told me that He’s perfecting me for the work. Am I ever going to be perfect? Absolutely not! The only perfect person was Jesus. What He meant is that He is removing some things in my character. He hasn’t allowed certain things to happen yet because He’s protecting the valuable treasure that He’s placed in me. Needless to say, that sent me into praise and worship.
What is the lesson? Sometimes things happen or don’t because God is developing and perfecting you for His purpose. In particular, disappointments and delays are not to hurt you but to develop you. God would not give you anything and not equip you for it (whether it’s tangible or a spiritual). Remember God never starts anything that He won’t finish.