A Work in Progress
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A Work in Progress
1. Be Intentional
We're all a work in progress. Whether you're a husband or wife, single or married, young or old, you are on a journey. But spiritual growth doesn’t just happen because we want it to. It takes intentional effort.
James 4:13 says, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.'" That sounds like a solid plan. But James confronts it not because planning is bad, but because it excludes God. The problem is not intentionality, but the lack of seeking God's will.
James 4:15 provides the correction: "Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" We must actively seek what God wants for us. God's will is not meant to be mysterious or hidden. He desires for us to know it, and He will make it clear if we pursue Him through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel.
It’s not about waiting for a blank slate before planning but submitting your plans to God. Don’t just create your path and ask God to bless it. Invite Him into the process from the beginning.
2. Be Flexible
James continues in verse 14, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow." Life is unpredictable. Our future is uncertain, and changes are inevitable. But unpredictability is not an obstacle for God; it is often how He shapes us most deeply.
Still in verse 14, James adds, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Life is brief. Even if we live to be 104, in the grand scheme of eternity, it's short. This shouldn’t discourage us, but motivate us. It means we must use our time wisely and make the most of every day for God's purposes.
If God allows the unexpected to enter our lives, we should be willing to adapt. If we resist reading Scripture or praying because we're afraid of what God might ask of us, we’re missing the point. He wants to lead us, not to ruin our plans, but to fulfill a better one.
3. Be Available
God never gives easy assignments, but He always gives purpose-filled ones. Noah was asked to build an ark while facing ridicule. Abraham was told to leave his homeland for an unknown land. Moses confronted Pharaoh. Esther risked her life. David fought Goliath. Daniel faced lions. Jesus went to the cross.
And Jesus said in John 20:21, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
You don’t need your calling dumbed down. You were created for great things. Don't aim for the least you can do to appease your conscience. Lean into God’s calling with your whole heart, mind, and strength. Serve fully and boldly.
If you've spent a long time as a work in progress but haven’t made much progress, it's time to change. Be intentional. Be flexible. Be available. Know what God is calling you to do and take the step.
Don’t just think about it. Act on it. Your life matters. What you do with your time, talents, and resources matters. Start that Bible reading plan. Join that group. Step into service. Pray more consistently. Prioritize church. Not next week—today.
When God brings to mind what your next step is, take it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We admit that we often stay on the sidelines. We want to follow you, but we hesitate. Forgive us for lingering in spiritual complacency. Help us to be intentional in pursuing your will, flexible when life takes unexpected turns, and available to serve with courage and commitment. Let this be the year that we move forward, not just as works in progress, but as people making real, meaningful progress in you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Sermon Title: A Work in Progress
Date: Jan 14, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 4:13–15
James 4:14
Proverbs 27:1
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