He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6b

“If your baby is late enough, you might get the bird done,” my doctor teased, seeing the crewel embroidery I was stitching before my obstetric appointments. I finished the bird, but life as a mother of five crowded out frivolous stitchery. The project gave way to more practical tasks, a reminder that “Life is fragile; handle with prayer” is outlined in daily experience rather than colored yarn. Forty-five years later, I have resumed work on the embroidery project. I know myself too well to think that I will outlive all my unfinished projects, but this one is near completion. I suspect that few of us have all our loose threads neatly tied in our projects, much less our lives! How comforting it is to know that “He who began a good work in [us] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Having completed the work of our salvation, He continues to conform us to His “pattern” — with no loose threads!

Bethel Larsen
Mecosta, MI

Dear Lord, help us to trust You with the loose threads of our lives! Amen.

Reflect: Tie up some loose threads in a project or a relationship.

Read: Philippians 1:1-11 and Ephesians 2:10