“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
What could have been and should have been are often, in our minds, the same. We look at the situations in our lives that we never wanted and can’t help thinking to ourselves, “It didn’t have to be this way.”
For some of our choices, it’s true. Sinful desires and actions lead us down roads we never should have gone on. Now there are consequences to endure. But we also look back on many of our choices with a twinge of sadness … sadness because at certain junctures, our only choices were the options of bad or worse. We grieve what we think could have and should have been.
Many times my plan has not been God’s will for me or for those around me. Have you stopped to consider that what you want is not how God has chosen to continue the good work that Christ began in you? The good work of our salvation is accomplished. But the good work of our sanctification will carry on for the rest of our lives, even when it looks nothing like we thought it would. He carries His plans for us to completion—if not in this life, then surely in eternity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurel A. Goodwin
Laurel Goodwin is an alumna of Westminster Theological Seminary California, where she received her Masters of Arts in Theological Studies. After graduating, she moved from California back to her home state of Texas. She writes this Anchor while keenly aware that our culture is constantly telling us to pursue the “life we’ve always wanted” as Jesus offers us life in Him. Currently, she is a Victim Assistance Coordinator for a local District Attorney’s office near her home. Laurel enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, and endless podcasting.
For some of our choices, it’s true. Sinful desires and actions lead us down roads we never should have gone on. Now there are consequences to endure. But we also look back on many of our choices with a twinge of sadness … sadness because at certain junctures, our only choices were the options of bad or worse. We grieve what we think could have and should have been.
Many times my plan has not been God’s will for me or for those around me. Have you stopped to consider that what you want is not how God has chosen to continue the good work that Christ began in you? The good work of our salvation is accomplished. But the good work of our sanctification will carry on for the rest of our lives, even when it looks nothing like we thought it would. He carries His plans for us to completion—if not in this life, then surely in eternity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurel A. Goodwin
Laurel Goodwin is an alumna of Westminster Theological Seminary California, where she received her Masters of Arts in Theological Studies. After graduating, she moved from California back to her home state of Texas. She writes this Anchor while keenly aware that our culture is constantly telling us to pursue the “life we’ve always wanted” as Jesus offers us life in Him. Currently, she is a Victim Assistance Coordinator for a local District Attorney’s office near her home. Laurel enjoys hiking, swimming, reading, and endless podcasting.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 1:1-30
Insight
God’s good work in our lives doesn’t stop because our plans do. Trust that despite your failure, He will bring His will to completion.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 43-44
- Psalm 92
- Acts 15
