Challenge: His Good Pleasure

…for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Phil 2:13 NASB

I will confess that my first thought when reading this verse and the surrounding passage was, “Really, Lord?  Are You really at work in me?”  This morning was one of those days when I wondered  if God could do anything with my stubborn heart.  I struggle daily with the same ole things to the extent that it seems I am moving backward more than I move forward.

But then my attention was drawn to another aspect of this verse – then end.  “…for His good pleasure.” 

Let that sink in for a minute.

I can bring pleasure to God!  The One who has everything.  Who created everything.  Who defines good.  Through my obedience and the working out of my salvation (Phil 2:12), I can bring pleasure to Him.  Through humility and submission (Phil 2:5-6), I can delight His heart.  Wow. 

When I realize the delight that such a thought brings to my heart, I see proof that I really am growing.  I hunger to please Him more today than ever before.  Even as I look at my heart and actions and see how very often I fail to please Him, I know that I still desire to change that. 

What an encouragement that brings, especially on a morning when I awoke wondering if my stubborn heart was locking out His work in me. 

I am challenged today to dwell in the hunger to bring pleasure to my God.  For when I have that mindset, obedience, submission, and growth cannot help but follow.