When you look at your adult children, do you wonder …

• When they’ll get their act together? 
• Behave more responsibly? 
• Show a little more wisdom?

When God looks at us, what does He see? 

• He sees people who mess up and need guidance and correction – on a daily basis. 
• He sees His children who sometimes fear we will never live up to our potential 

— or be the Christ-followers we long to be. 

This week we’re not only entering into a brand new year, but into a new decade. Where were you in your Christian walk ten years ago? What choices have brought you to where you are today? Are you anywhere near the place (spiritually or otherwise) that you were shooting for? 

If not, would you be open to …

• Getting to know your heavenly Father more this new year? 
• To listen for His plan and direction for your life? 
• To pray for grace to yield to His correction?

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) says we can be “sure of this, that he who began a good work in [us] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Mercifully, from the day we first committed our hearts and lives to Him, God began shaping us into His image (which, even if we’re not aware of it, is truly the person we most want to be). And when we don’t see changes in ourselves as quickly as we’d like, it’s a relief to know God isn’t going to quit on us. Especially when we’re just about ready to give up on ourselves.

When we’re convinced that “not even God can help us this time,” it’s amazing to think that our heavenly Father reaches into our situation and continues the work He has already begun in us. Then, as we continue to trust in Him, we begin to see progress – the changes His presence is making in our hearts, minds and attitudes.

With this in mind, what would happen if we considered this same principle for other imperfect, unfinished people? How would it improve our relationships if we asked God to help us remember – and believe – that He is more than capable of completing His work in those around us, as well?

How will this change the way we see our children? Our spouse, boss, neighbor and our pastor? 

It could transform the way we see everyone. And the way they see us.

What do you think? 

• Have you ever feared God will give up on you?

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