Unfinished Projects

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:6-11

“Can I get this?” asked Charlie, showing a model airplane kit to his mother. “I want to put it together.”

“But don’t you already have a bunch of other projects you haven’t finished yet?” asked Mom.

“Well, yeah, but I’m still working on those things,” said Charlie. “I’m just waiting for pieces of some of the models to dry. And my bike is still apart because Dad wants to wait until the part it needs goes on sale. And the puzzle I’ve started—well, I like to do puzzles a little each day. I’ll get it all done.”

“I hope so,” replied Mom. Just then some of their neighbors came along. Mom chatted with them for a while, but Charlie just looked down. “Why didn’t you say hello to the Gordons?” Mom asked after their neighbors moved on.

“I don’t know,” Charlie said. “I never know what to say to adults.”

“Maybe you should work on learning to talk to them,” said Mom.

“I’ve tried,” Charlie said. “I’ve even asked God to help me, but I don’t think He’s going to.” He sighed. “It’s not wrong to be shy, is it?”

Mom smiled. “No, but it would be nice to be able to greet people—even adults—in a friendly way. And I know you don’t like to pray in public, but it would be nice to have the courage to do that—and to tell people about Jesus.” She looked at the model airplane kit Charlie was holding. “Okay, I’ll buy that for you,” she said. “I’ll trust you to finish your other projects in your own good time. And let’s trust God to finish the work He’s started too.”

“What work?” asked Charlie.

“The Bible says that when you first trusted Jesus as your Savior, God began a good work in you,” explained Mom, “and He’s still working to make you be more like Jesus. This includes shaping you in areas of your life—like getting over your hesitancy to talk to adults or speak up in public. He’s working in the time frame He knows is best for you to turn out just right. So do your part by working on it too, and trust God to do His part. He will!” – Nance E. Keyes

How About You?

Do you feel discouraged when you’re nervous about praying in public or telling others about Jesus? Or maybe you’ve asked God for help with something else you have trouble with, but it doesn’t seem like He’s doing anything. Don’t give up! Keep praying for help, and let God work in your life and make you more like Jesus. He’s still working on you!

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:6 He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.

Today’s Key Thought:

God is working in your life