“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

This week marked a big milestone for me in my journey of spiritual and emotional recovery. With the blessing of a community at Celebrate Recovery, I proudly received my 18 month “chip” celebrating the recovery from my personal “hurts, habits, and hangups.” It had me thinking about the faith journey, and how it has many stages. 

In the beginning, we may take time to demolish the poor construction we’ve built in our own strength (whether it’s dysfunctional coping, twisted beliefs about God, lies we believe about ourselves, etc). In surrendering to Christ, we begin to lay a new foundation – a strong cornerstone that sets the stage. From there we raise the load-bearing supports – core beliefs that are true, healthy, and holy. We plumb in the living water – His life that flows throughout and empowers us. We wire in God’s radiant light – a light that never flickers or fades. We build our home (our life) according to God’s blueprint, and while not every part makes sense or is easy, we begin to experience the joy and freedom that comes from a healthy spiritual life as God designed it to be. 

Having grown up in Mexico, I often saw that many houses and buildings would have rebar sticking out the tops and supplies sitting around for years, without any work being done. It was explained to me that there were tax benefits to having your home “under construction” which often persuaded folks to keep up the appearance of work still being done, even without any intention of adding on. As I celebrated this exciting milestone and reflected on this part of my spiritual journey, it came into my mind that lately I’ve been a lot like those houses in Mexico. I have areas of my life that I’ve surrendered to God with promises of being “under construction” but without any real change. 

There are things I say I want to forgive, but when the hurt pops up, I avoid it. 

There are goals I want to explore through journaling and prayer, but I choose to scroll instead. 

There are aspects of God’s character I am desperate to understand, but settle for what others say. 

And the journey is like that sometimes, there is a natural ebb and flow and not every season is jam-packed with fresh understanding or rapid personal growth. But at the same time, there comes a point where we get to choose what we set our minds towards and prioritize with our time, attention, and effort. I don’t want to just pretend I’m building my life on Christ’s truth and design for life – I want to actually do it. I want to celebrate the wins, and then keep going. Perhaps there are areas in your own life where you’ve noticed stagnancy, and perhaps this is the time to appreciate the growth and then partner with Christ to take on the next phase – no matter how daunting! 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Together, may we trust that Jesus is doing a good work and will faithfully bring it to completion – both in our individual lives, and in bringing his kingdom to Earth. May we make the choice to partner with him in every area of our lives and be changed by his truth today, tomorrow, and for all eternity! Amen!