“Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).
When your body is out of shape, isn’t it up to you to work your own body back in shape? Nobody works out for you. Right? Well in the same sense, the Bible tells you to work out your own salvation. Nobody can do it for you.
You can’t depend on ministers, your family or friends to do it for you. It’s your salvation – you have to work this thing.
You work out your own salvation by working God’s Word into your life, and by personalizing and making His Word real to you. When you do this, God can complete what He has called you to do, then you will see success in your life. Not a smidgen of success every now and again, but the everyday success that God has for you.
Now, here’s the good news, God isn’t asking you to work out all by yourself, because we have read that it is God who, all the while, is effectively at work in you – energizing and creating in you the power and desire to do his will. So, while you’re working it out, you’re giving God control to do His will in your life.
There is no excuse for you to not work out your own salvation when God is the source of your strength. Yes, problems may come against you, but if you allow them to keep you from working out, then those same problems will stop you from doing what God has called you to do.
God didn’t say work out your own salvation as long as no one talks about you, bothers you, or hates you – He said work it out everyday.
If you need help working out, go to God and nobody else. He’s the only One who can help you. Give God every area of your life. Don’t pick and choose what God can handle – He can handle all your problems. Do it God’s way and you will have victory every time.
Scripture References: Hebrews 2:1-3; 13:20-21
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Pastor Deborah L. Butler is the first lady Word of Faith International Christian Centre located in Southfield, Michigan where she serves in ministry with her husband, Bishop Keith A. Butler.
Pastor Deborah is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel. Her encouraging, yet down-to-earth teaching imparts wisdom from the Word of God into all that hear her speak. One of Pastor Butler’s many duties is serving as the Director of the Women of Virtue Ministry. Pastor Deborah is often called to travel to other ministries to teach and admonish women to walk in the wisdom of God, and to experience peace in every area of their lives.