"Still"

Back when I was much younger,

My mind would often wonder,

I’d think about the future,

And what might come to be.

No thought that I might blunder,

Or that I’d knuckle under,

When life comes unexpected,

And truly surprised me.

I always thought of horses,

Some said they’d run their courses,

But I never could get over,

The way they made me feel.

Did not need their endorses,

Or receive their remorses,

I saw no downside to it,

My cowboy dream was real.

And, yes, Lord knows I failed some,

And forgot where once I came from,

At many intersections,

I chose to go astray.

But life was never ho hum,

And most were glad I had come,

And when I look back on it,

God helped me find my way.

And I may be some stiffer,

But, son, I am no quitter,

Old joints, they’re still a-moving,

And I am not yet through.

My spirit’s even fitter,

Not fooled by this world’s glitter,

New mercies with each morning,

There’s plenty more to do.

Though most places older,

My love has not grown colder,

God uses all that happens,

His plan for what we do.

And by the Spirit bolder,

His yoke upon my shoulder,

A cowboy still with horses,

And to His Kingdom true.

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns…” (Philippians 1:6, NLT)

God began the good work in us. When did it start? In His eyes before we were even born! His grace is poured out upon us preveniently, as John Wesley used to say, before we are aware of it. Then we receive the grace that saves us, works within us in an ongoing way until our lives end or Jesus returns. Paul’s affirmation is that He is able to finish what He’s started in us. That should give us hope, particularly when life throws us for a loop and we wonder what will happen next. Or when we fail so desperately we think there’s just no way we can ever be restored. Or doors repeatedly close and we simply can’t catch a break. In all of these moments and more it's good to remember Paul’s words. You didn’t start the work of grace in you, the Lord did. And by your own effort you did not save yourself, He did. And you will not finish the work either, unless He finishes it in and through you. And that’s what Paul says will happen. Amen.

Lord, keep on working in us till the end, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tyler Crow, tylercrow.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tyler, and God bless you.