We work, because He is working Philippians 2:12-13

Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore my dear friends as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

There are a few things that stand out to me in these two verses…
Paul is writing to people whom he loves and who are pursuing Christ well by all accounts. However, this does not keep Paul from continuing to exhort them. “…continue to work out”, we need to keep going. There is no room for “resting” or “taking a shift off” (to use a hockey illustration) from this journey that we are on. Sometimes, I think especially after mountain top experiences, I feel like I can coast for a bit. This is not an option. This is a war that we are involved in here. Lord, keep me focused I pray. May I do what You would have me to do.
Work out your salvation…
We have work to do, this is not simply stand back and watch God work in the sense that we are not to engage the process. WE ARE TO ENGAGE!! And my guess is that it may be hard (why else would Paul say work…and why else would he call us to discipline ourselves for godliness?). According to James, this willingness to work would be a sign of salvation having taken place.
do it with fear and trembling
I think that sometimes we have so emphasized God’s incarnation in Christ, that we forget that we serve the King of Kings…and eternity is at stake. There must be a reverence, a deep respect for the one we serve. Lord, forgive me for when I forget. It seems that C.S. Lewis had a good picture of the balance when he created the creature Aslan, a combination of fearful and inviting.
God is at work
While we are to work, we can only do so because God is at work, granting desires and enabling action. While we must work, we must remember that any work is an act of God’s grace. This should keep us humble and submitted.
His good purpose
I must remember that whatever is going on, we are pursuing God’s purpose (not mine, and it is good. I so quickly forget that God’s purpose is good…until I observe our world. I am saddened by the unnecessary pain that so many go through, endure. Lives are literally destroyed because we choose to not submit to our good and loving creator.

Father, this is beautiful. Renew my passion to pursue you in all things. Lord, may I work with all Your might, for Your glory and for my joy. I love You Lord.