God will bring it to completion.

Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

The church in Philippi was founded by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey around AD 49–51, as recorded in Acts 16:11–40. It was the first Christian church established in Europe, located in the Roman colony of Philippi in what is now northern Greece. The city held strategic importance as a military outpost, and many of its residents were Roman citizens, which gave the church a distinct cultural and civic identity. Among its first converts were Lydia, a wealthy merchant of purple cloth, and the Philippian jailer—both of whom became foundational members of this vibrant Christian community.

 

Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome, around AD 60–62. Overall, the letter reflects Paul’s deep affection for this faithful church and his desire to see them grow in maturity, unity, and joyful partnership in the gospel.

 

In the opening remarks Paul says being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

Recently, I encountered significant hurdles in the very ministry the Lord had entrusted to us. Doors that once seemed open began to close, momentum slowed, and the future looked uncertain—even bleak. Discouragement crept in, and the drive to press on began to fade. In the midst of that heaviness, Philippians 1:6 came to me like a light at the end of the tunnel—a gentle but firm reminder that this work was never mine to carry alone. It was God who had begun it, and it is God who will bring it to completion. That truth renewed my strength, not because the challenges disappeared, but because my confidence was no longer in the circumstances, but in the One who called us.

 

Elijah is a powerful example of someone who, even after a great victory, felt deeply discouraged. After calling down fire on Mount Carmel, he expected revival—but instead, he fled in fear when Jezebel threatened his life. In the wilderness, overwhelmed and exhausted, he prayed, “I have had enough, Lord” (1 Kings 19:4). Yet God did not rebuke him; He gently cared for Elijah, gave him rest, and spoke to him in a quiet whisper, reminding him that he was not alone and that the mission wasn’t over. Elijah’s story shows us that even faithful servants can grow weary—but God meets us in our low points with grace and strength, and He will complete the work He began.

Have you ever started something with great passion, only to feel discouraged midway—unsure if it will ever be completed? Whether it’s a calling, a dream, a step of faith, or even your own spiritual growth, there’s comfort in knowing this: if God started it, He will finish it.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he wasn’t just giving them a pep talk. He was pointing them to the character and faithfulness of God. The “good work” God began in their lives wasn't limited to salvation—it included everything God was doing in and through them. And the same is true for us.

The good work in your life could be a new beginning, a ministry, a calling, a personal breakthrough, or the quiet work of shaping your character. At times, it may seem like progress has stalled or circumstances are working against it. But take heart—God never abandons what He starts. What He initiates, He sustains, and what He sustains, He brings to completion.

This promise reminds us that our future does not depend on our ability, but on His faithfulness. Our job is to stay yielded, faithful, and trusting—even when we can’t see the full picture. The God who began the work in you is still at work today, and He will be until the day you stand complete before Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• What is a “good work” that God has begun in your life that you need to trust Him to finish?
• Are you tempted to take control or give up when progress seems slow?
• How can you lean into God’s faithfulness today?

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You are a God who finishes what You start. When I feel uncertain or discouraged, remind me that the good work You have begun in me—whether spiritual, emotional, or practical—is in Your hands. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that You will bring it to completion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.