God’s Spirit Is Working in Me

In Philippians 2:13 I read, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (NLT)

It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to produce in me Christlike character.

The Bible says, “The Lord . . . makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). This process of changing to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.

I can’t reproduce the character of Jesus in my own strength. New Year’s resolutions, willpower, and best intentions aren’t enough.

Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in my life. The Bible says, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

Mention the power of the Holy Spirit, and many people think of miraculous demonstrations or intense emotions. But usually the Holy Spirit releases his power in quiet, unassuming ways that I’m not even aware of. He often nudges me with “a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NIV).

Christlikeness is not produced by imitation but by inhabitation, by allowing Christ to live in and through me. The Bible says, “This is the secret: Christ lives in you” (Colossians 1:27 NLT).

This happens through the choices I make.

Choose to do the right thing; then trust God’s Spirit to give me the power, love, faith, and wisdom to follow through. Since God’s Spirit lives inside me, these things are always available for the asking.

In summary, God is working in me, to give me the desire and the power to do what pleases him. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to produce in me Christlike character. I can’t reproduce on my own. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in my life. Usually the Holy Spirit releases his power in quiet, unassuming ways that I’m not even aware of. Like nudging me with “a gentle whisper”. Christlikeness is not produced by imitation but by inhabitation, by allowing Christ to live in and through me. This happens through the choices I make. Choose to do the right thing; then trust God’s Spirit to give me the power, love, faith, and wisdom to follow through. Since God’s Spirit lives inside me, these things are always available for the asking.

So what do I do when I don't feel like obeying? God has not left me alone in my struggles to do his will. He wants to come alongside me and be within me to help. God gives me the desire and the power to do what pleases him. The secret to a changed life is to submit to God's control and let him work. Next time I experience this I can ask God to help me with the desire to do his will.

Father, I need you. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can believe in, have faith and can trust you in everything, including being the authority for my life, my self-worth and my future. You have my best interests in mind. Help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. I want to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. Infuse my life with the Holy Spirit allowing him to make me more like Christ and the desire to do your will. I ask you for wisdom and guidance in this for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my preparation for a future job role and for leading a small group. I ask and pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, Amen.