Continuing in the Spirit’s Work

Inspired by insights from Day by Day by Grace

"This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?"
— Galatians 3:2–3

Imagine a man stranded in the middle of a vast ocean, struggling to stay afloat. Suddenly, a lifeboat appears, and the captain reaches out, pulling him aboard. The man, drenched and exhausted, is saved. Yet, instead of resting in the safety of the boat, he insists on jumping back into the water, convinced that swimming alongside the boat will somehow complete his rescue.

This is the very picture Paul paints in Galatians. We were rescued by God's grace through faith—completely unable to save ourselves. The Holy Spirit drew us to Christ, opened our hearts to believe, and brought us into God’s family. We didn’t earn this rescue by striving to keep God’s law or by our own moral performance. It was entirely a gift received by trusting Jesus.

Yet, how often do we, like the man in the ocean, try to return to self-effort after being saved? Paul confronts this thinking: "Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3). In other words, if God’s Spirit was the one who rescued and renewed us, why would we think we must now strive in our own strength to grow and mature?

Spiritual growth is not about trying harder; it’s about trusting deeper. The same Spirit who breathed new life into us continues to work within us, shaping us into Christ’s likeness. Our role is not to take back control but to yield—to allow Him to complete the good work He started.

Paul reminds us that “The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). This faith isn’t only for our salvation but also for every step of our journey with God. Just as we first trusted Jesus to save us, we now trust Him to live His life through us, moment by moment.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for rescuing me and giving me new life in Christ. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to live for You in my own effort. I rest in the truth that the same Spirit who saved me is also the One who transforms me. I trust You to continue Your work in me, shaping me into who You desire me to be. Amen.

Final Thought:
Just as no one can rescue themselves from drowning, we cannot grow in Christ by our own effort. Trust the Spirit who saved you to lead you, guide you, and continue His beautiful work within you.