For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure

 He is at work in us:

        

            To will and to work for His good pleasure:

 

Philippians 2:13

13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

 

            Do you have a desire to do things for God? Do you put forth a lot of effort to find and do things for Him? That desire to work for His good pleasure was put there by Him when you were born again. It is not something that arises naturally inside mankind. Sure, we’re grateful He saved us, but let’s not go overboard. He not only gives you the desire to work for Him, He gives you the ability to get the job done. He is doing the work. That way we can’t brag … either of desiring to do His will or of having actually done it. He gets all the glory.

 

If you could hear God speak, I believe this is what He would say:

            "It is not up to you to live the Christian life; it is up to My Spirit. He will live My life in you as you allow Him to. He will give you the desire to obey My Word and to do My will. I will not leave you defenseless. I will give you more than enough to do what I have told you to do. As you trust in Me, I will show you the way to do what I have commanded you to do.”

 

            20. God is at work in me to give me the will to do His good pleasure. He also works in me to perform that will.