It Is God Who Works in You

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, ESV) When I first came to faith, I remember reading Paul's instruction to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

In those early days, I thought it meant I had to prove my salvation. Was my faith real? Had I done enough? Could I ever be sure? But as I grew in the Word, I saw Paul was teaching something deeper. He spoke to those already redeemed, urging them to let salvation shape their daily obedience.

But what about the words “with fear and trembling”? Paul calls us to walk with reverence and humility. Salvation is a treasure, and the God who gives it is holy. Obedience is not a burden but a response of awe, always rooted in our need for Him.

Then comes the beautiful truth in the very next verse:

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

God Himself is at work within us.

Pause and consider: God Himself is at work within us, shaping both our longing to obey and the strength to do it. We sometimes hear, “Give yourself some credit. You chose to obey.” There is truth in this. We make real choices, and God calls us to walk in them. Yet even our willingness and strength to obey are gifts of His grace.

The flesh still resists the Spirit. We know how quickly our desires can lead us astray. Yet by the Holy Spirit, God enables us to overcome and walk in obedience.

After many years on this path, I see how often I have stumbled by trusting my own strength. Obedience is not a single act but a daily surrender. His grace must shape our choices, and we remain utterly dependent on Him.

Carried by His Strength

Trying to obey in our own strength is like trying to move a sailboat without wind. It only makes progress when its sails are filled by a power beyond itself. So it is with us: only as God works within us do we move forward in the obedience He calls for.

This is why we return to the Word and seek Him in prayer. In Scripture, we learn His will. In prayer, we confess our need. Through these streams, the Spirit shapes us day by day.

And when we begin to see the fruit of obedience in our lives, what reason do we have to boast? Every step of genuine spiritual growth should lead us back to gratitude. God deserves the glory for the work He is doing within us.

As You Enter This Week

As a new week begins, consider where obedience feels hard. Are you leaning on your own resolve, or wrestling with a habit that seems stronger than you?

Return to His Word. Seek Him in prayer. Ask the Spirit to shape your heart and give you strength to walk in what pleases God.

Remember, the One who calls you is the One who works within you to make it possible.

Shalom, Jacques