S. Philippians 2:12-13
"...work hard to show the results of your salvation obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."
O. The word "work hard" is the Greek "katergazomai" and it means "to work, produce, accomplish," literally "work down to the end point, to an exact definite conclusion; bring to decisive finality." As a result of our salvation, God desires for us to work hard and as we do, He energizes (work=energo) us to produce fruit and cast light.
Simply said, we need to do our part in using our gifts to produce light (bearing fruit) and as we do this, God does His part in supplying us energy so that what we do actually results in fruitfulness and illumination for others.
A. I will continue to work hard, using my gifts and having a fruitful life; producing light to illumine others. I have assurance that as I do my part, God will provide me the energy and opportunities to continue in this and to be pleasing to Him.
P. Thank you Father for the gifts you have given me. I ask for your strength and might in the deployment of these gifts. I so much wish to provide light to others and to be pleasing to you. In Jesus' name!
