“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6).

If you’ve ever driven anywhere along the highway, you will eventually see those yellow and orange signs posted that say something like: “Caution-Work in Progress.” Right away, know there are workers ahead, perhaps due to road closures or detours, so you slow down and approach the area with caution. 

There’s a stretch of I-4 northbound between Lakeland and Kissimmee, Florida, that is known for congestion. Normal speed is immediately slowed to approximately 5-10 mph. However, to my surprise, on a recent road trip it was not congested- the work and additions had made significant progress; there were new crossovers and additional lanes all around. The best part is that travel was at normal speeds. This visual is a good reminder that regardless of how far along the progress is, the work will ultimately be completed.

My friends, the word of the Lord reminds all His beloved children that we’re a work in progress, and, just like road construction, Life sometimes brings stops and detours, slowing our progress. 

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 1:6, tells us that we can be confident that God isn’t finished with us yet and that He will complete the work He has started in us! “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

The grace of God has called and saved every born-again believer; we are saved not only for now but forever, and we await His return. So, yes, just like the construction sign on the road, which is not what we desire at the moment and slows us down, those twists, turns, and hurts of life are the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, working to bring about a change in us that goes far beyond what the very eyes can see. God’s faithful servant Job expressed the trials and tribulations of life like this: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).

My friends, if you’re experiencing a season of detours, remember to look towards the hills, from which all our help comes. God will give you the strength and peace to navigate through this journey called life. Remember He is the Master builder, and has carefully laid out the plans for our lives. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23).

Take comfort in the assurance that God knows, He sees, and His loving hands are guiding us every step of the way. And one day, His work in us will come to completion…and it will exceed our greatest expectations! “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2).