Day 4: Finished Work

What a great feeling when you have finished something, huh?! I was trying to imagine the atmosphere at this time in Israel's community. It must have been buzzing with excitement! Think of all they had been through for so long in Egypt. They had had one year of exodus, when at times they wished to be back in Egypt! They were seeing God in a way they had never before witnessed! They were trusting someone--Moses--that they weren't too sure about. They were reverting back to old ways--worshiping idols, being slaves (to sin this time). What a whirlwind!!! But all of these things surely added to the greatness and wonder of this moment. The Tabernacle was completed. While they were disobedient and stiff-necked, concerning this-- the Tabernacle--they were obedient, passionate, and they passed inspection! Amazing, really. I mean, if Moses was a surprise as a leader, the Israelites were certainly a surprise in the way they came together and prepared the Tabernacle exactly the way God commanded and desired!

"It had been the worst year of his life and the best year of his life. Funny how often that happens when the Lord is your God." This statement that Beth Moore made in today's study really hit me! It is so true! When we choose to follow Jesus Christ, He does what we so desperately need Him to do--strip us of our sin and shortcomings, point out our weaknesses and do a new work in us, and make us a new creation all together! This is the most amazing thing to look back on, however, the process can be grueling at times.

A particular time in my life, several years ago, is a testimony to Christ's work! For years, when I was younger, I dealt with things so inappropriately. I had a few traumatic things happen when I was young, but never knew how to deal with it all in a healthy way. So, instead of communicating or giving it over to the Lord, I just held it all in. I kept striving to follow God, and ended up finding myself in Bible college--surrounded by wonderful, godly, healthy friends who loved me more than I deserved. Through their encouragement and my own circumstances, I started seeing a Christian counselor who helped me deal with all the things in my past. I mentioned earlier this week that I held onto a lot of bitterness. I also dealt with sadness, depression, emptiness, and a confused self-identity. Not to mention, I was afraid to communicate or be myself or express myself for fear of more rejection in being vulnerable. All this to say, through the help of God's community and through the very Word of God, I was able to gain the confidence in knowing that Christ loved me, and that He makes me whole. There is nothing I could ever do, no one I could ever become on my own that would make me deserve His love or gain His grace and salvation. He freely gives it to me simply out of His unconditional, amazing love for me! Awesome!... And Christ promises to complete the good work in us (Philippians 1:6) and that we will reap a harvest if we don't give up in doing good (Galatians 6:9)!

Do you have a testimony to Christ's work in your life? Or do you have any other thoughts about "Finished Work?"