Have you ever looked at your life โ€“ your progress, your struggles, your faith journey โ€“ and feltโ€ฆ incomplete? Maybe you see the gap between who you are and who you aspire to be in Christ. Maybe you stumble over the same sins, wrestle with the same doubts, or feel impatient with the pace of your spiritual growth. In a world obsessed with finished products and instant results, itโ€™s easy to feel discouraged when we look like a work in progress.

We see the messy parts, the areas still under construction, the character flaws we wish were gone yesterday. We compare our behind-the-scenes struggles with someone else’s highlight reel and wonder, “Why aren’t I further along?”

If that resonates with you, take heart. There’s a profound and comforting truth we need to anchor ourselves in: God’s not finished yet.

He Who Began a Good Work…

The Apostle Paul penned words that should echo in our hearts whenever we feel inadequate: “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)

Read that again. God, the Master Artist, the Creator of the universe, began a good work in you when you first came to faith. And He promises โ€“ He guarantees โ€“ He will see it through to completion.

Think about it like one of the intricate paintings here at Jesus Brushstrokes. Up close, a single brushstroke might look random, messy, or out of place. You can’t grasp its purpose or beauty in isolation. But the Artist sees the whole picture. He knows precisely where that stroke fits, how it contributes to the final masterpiece He envisions.

Our lives are like that canvas. God is patiently, skillfully adding layers, blending colours, refining details. What feels like a mistake or a delay to us might be a crucial part of His process.

Embracing the Process, Not Just the Product

Understanding that God isn’t finished yet changes how we view ourselves and our journey:

  1. It Cultivates Patience: Spiritual growth is often slow, incremental work. Itโ€™s not a sudden makeover; itโ€™s a lifelong process of sanctification โ€“ becoming more like Jesus day by day. Trust His timing and His methods.
  2. It Fosters Grace (for Ourselves and Others): If God isn’t finished with us, He’s not finished with others either. This perspective helps us extend grace, understanding that everyone is on their own journey, facing their own struggles, and under the same divine construction.
  3. It Shifts Our Focus: Instead of fixating on our imperfections, we can focus on God’s faithfulness. We celebrate the small victories, the gradual changes, and trust that He is actively working, even when we don’t see dramatic results.
  4. It Builds Hope: Knowing the end goal โ€“ completion in Christ โ€“ gives us hope to persevere through difficult seasons. The present struggles are not the final word. The Artist will finish His work.

More Than Just Personal Growth

This truth extends beyond our individual lives. God isn’t finished with His work in the world, either. Despite the chaos, pain, and brokenness we see, He is still moving, still redeeming, still working His purposes out according to His sovereign plan. He is bringing His Kingdom, piece by piece, brushstroke by brushstroke, until the day Christ returns and all things are made new.

Conclusion: Trust the Master Artist

So, the next time you feel discouraged by your imperfections or impatient with your progress, remember Philippians 1:6. You are a masterpiece in progress, held securely in the hands of the ultimate Artist. He hasn’t forgotten you, He hasn’t given up on you, and He most certainly isn’t finished yet.

Embrace the journey, trust the process, and rest in the knowledge that the One who began this good work is faithful to complete it. The messy parts, the unfinished edges โ€“ they are all part of the beautiful, complex, and ultimately glorious picture He is painting.


Need tangible reminders of God’s faithfulness and His ongoing work in your life?

Surrounding yourself with visual truth can be a powerful anchor. Explore theย Jesus Brushstrokes digital art prints collection. Find pieces that speak of hope, growth, and the beauty of God’s artistry, perfect for encouraging your heart and reminding you daily that He who began a good workย willย carry it on to completion.

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