God at Work Within

Daily Rays of Hope #134

Subtitle: Trusting His Hand to Shape Your Will and Purpose

Today’s Scripture:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
— Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

There is deep comfort in knowing that you are not navigating your spiritual journey alone. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is not only beside us but actively working within us. He is shaping our desires, aligning our will with His, and empowering us to live according to His good purpose. The process is not dependent on our own strength but on the faithful work of the Holy Spirit within us.

God never calls us without also equipping us. When He places a calling or desire in your heart that aligns with His Word, He also provides the power to walk it out. This truth allows us to surrender the burden of striving and to rest in the grace that God offers. Ephesians 2:10 confirms this, saying, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God is both the architect and the builder. He has designed your life with divine intention, and He is present in every detail of its unfolding.

We often quote Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is more than just a comforting promise. It is a reminder that God sees the full picture. He is not reacting to our lives but orchestrating them for His glory and our good. His plan includes the shaping of our inner lives, the transformation of our minds, and the aligning of our actions with His perfect will.

Romans 12:2 invites us to take part in this transformation. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” When we spend time in God’s Word, we begin to think differently. Our old way of thinking—based on fear, pride, or worldly values—is replaced by the mind of Christ. Through this renewing, our desires begin to mirror God's desires.

It is not always easy to surrender our plans, especially when they feel secure or familiar. But Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This submission allows the Spirit of God to work freely within us. As we yield, we become more sensitive to His leading, and more obedient to His instructions.

Jesus modeled perfect submission to the Father. In John 6:38 He said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” As followers of Christ, we are invited to take on that same attitude. Not from a place of duty but from deep relationship and trust. God’s will is always better than our own. His thoughts are higher. His timing is perfect. And His plans are eternal.

You are a vessel being shaped by the Potter. Isaiah 64:8 says, “We are the clay, you are the potter. We are all the work of your hand.” As God continues to mold you, be patient with yourself. Be open to His voice. And be confident that He is working within you both to will and to act.

Three Practical Ways to Seek God’s Will and Walk It Out Daily

1. Begin Every Day with Prayer and Surrender
Start your mornings by acknowledging God’s presence and surrendering your day to Him. Ask Him to guide your thoughts, decisions, and actions. A simple prayer like, “Lord, have your way in me today,” can open the door to divine guidance.

2. Renew Your Mind with Scripture
Read and meditate on the Word daily. Let God’s truth wash over your thoughts and replace fear with faith. The more familiar you are with His voice in Scripture, the more confidently you can follow His leading.

3. Obey the Promptings of the Holy Spirit
When God places something on your heart—whether it is reaching out to someone, making a change, or letting something go—obey quickly. These small steps of obedience create a lifestyle that is fully submitted to God’s will.

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God is working in you. He is shaping your desires, fueling your purpose, and guiding your steps. Rest in the truth that you are not walking blindly. You are walking with the One who knows the end from the beginning. Let His work in you continue unhindered, and watch how He brings His good and perfect will to life in and through you.