As Good As Done

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people. Luke 1:68

The prophecies of Scripture are meant to be more than glimpses into the future, promises of what will happen, and assurances to hold on to. As far as God is concerned, once the words are spoken they are as good as done! Today’s verse is a good example. I noticed as I read it that the phrase “accomplished redemption for His people” is in the past tense. And yet this was spoken before Jesus was even born and definitely before He went to the cross. God does not see things as we see them. We are limited to what we see, feel, touch, and experience at the present. Because God is eternal, He is in attendance in the past, present, and future. Therefore, even before something actually comes about for us it is already as good as done.

This encourages me when I think about spiritual growth. As I journey my way through this life I often feel like the child on his way to a vacation spot asking, “Are we there yet?” With me the question is more, “Am I there yet? Am I getting anywhere? Is this working?” I don’t always see it the way God sees it. I see where I have come from and where I am right now. While I see growth, I also see failure, set backs, and obstacles. While I can revel in victories the path can also be strewn with defeats. I can too easily say, “Yes, I want to be THERE but I know I am HERE right now.” God does not want me to live my Christian life in such a state of mind.

Two verses come to mind this morning. Hebrews 12:2 tells me to fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher (perfecter) of my faith. And Philippians 1:6 is said with confidence as Paul reminds me that God will finish what He has started in me! In God’s eyes I am not only a project I am a finished product, because it does not all depend on me. He is the One working in me to bring about His purposes. As I listen to Him, cooperate with Him, and follow Him I experience a moment by moment transformation and become what He already sees me to be.

Father, I once again see You as the Potter and myself as the clay. Before I was even born You had me in Your mind and now I am in Your hands. Mold me and make me whatever Your heart desires. Although I don’t always see it, I am complete in Christ. Amen.