by Larry Chan
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6 NLT
I am reminded and assured of God’s unfinished work in each of his children. Young or old, well or sick, in a good season or a seemingly bad season, in plenty or lack, and no matter the circumstance, we are thankful that He is with us. He is not at rest, but He is constantly at work in our life.
Here is a quote from Matthew Henry – “There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our Father, the fountain and origin of all blessings…we may always be confident God will perform his good work, in every soul wherein he has really begun it by regeneration; though we must not trust in outward appearances, nor in anything but a new creation to holiness.”
I see this in my mother-in-law’s life. She is enduring physical pain due to the tumour attack at her spine. It has already caused much damage to the bone mass and greatly weakened her back. She is at the fourth stage of lung cancer. The tumours have spread to her head, running down her spine, and to many parts of her lungs.
She could not believe she had cancer at first. But she has gradually acknowledged the fact. With constant intense pain in her back, she often needs morphine to relieve the pain. Yet, through all these, I see her faith growing. She is now bolder and not ashamed to pray and seek God in the presence of the family. This is one thing she would never do before she had cancer. My family witness this change in her faith in God and we are strongly encouraged by her fervency in prayer. It is also a good testimony and example especially to my two children to remind them to turn to God in prayer boldly. My wife also acknowledges the grace of God and His mighty work in her mom’s well-being. By His grace and miracle, the pain my mother-in-law has is mild. Even the oncologist is amazed and pleased with her stable condition after two rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Praise God! We are counting His goodness and giving thanks!
God’s grace has started from the moment my mother-in-law accepted Him as her Lord and Saviour. His work is ongoing despite her condition. She has found peace in God. Time and time again, she is reminded that God is at work. She is learning to lean on God and have confidence in Him. Each time she prays, she asks God to grant her the appetite to eat and not throw up. Praise God she has been able to finish her food without throwing up all the time.
God is at work in my mother-in-law’s life. He began the good work within her, and will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. We must not be distracted or be discouraged by any circumstances in our life. Always be like Paul, be certain and confident that God is at work in us. He is doing a good work to transform us and draw us close to him so that we can experience His peace until the day of His return.
“There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our Father, the fountain and origin of all blessings…we may always be confident God will perform his good work, in every soul wherein he has really begun it by regeneration; though we must not trust in outward appearances, nor in anything but a new creation to holiness.”
Matthew Henry