We were talking in a restaurant on a Thursday afternoon while eating high-calorie French fries. My friend was telling me how down he was feeling about his spiritual progress.

He felt he should be further ahead… and that he often struggled with the sin of pride… and that his devotional life always felt like work.

Can you relate?

I certainly could. There are times when I feel like I should be further ahead too.

But as I look back on that conversation now, I wish I had pointed out to him how much progress he had ALREADY made. He had made a commitment to Jesus, and was volunteering in the music ministry in his church. Plus, other people sometimes sought him out for personal encouragement!

It’s so easy to focus on the growth that still needs to happen, that we de-value the growth that’s ALREADY happened.

So here’s what I think you should do: Celebrate the ways that your faith has ALREADY improved your priorities and changed your life for the better.

Speaking to the Philippians in chapter 1, verse 6, Paul writes, “he [God] who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

In other words, God finishes what he starts. Trust the process. Trust God’s work. And celebrate all the ways that your faith has ALREADY improved your priorities and changed your life for the better.

Today, celebrate the good work of God that continues to take shape in you. It’s there. You just need to look.

By Matthew Ruttan