OCTOBER 6

God Finishes What He Starts

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:1-6

Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Years ago, Laura and I lived in the small town of Columbia City.  We’d often take walks through the neighborhood.  Around the corner from our house was the abandoned foundation that had long ago been overcome with weeds and brush.  I wondered, walking by, what had happened?  Had the builder run out of funds?  Did some unforeseen family situation halt the construction?  I never found out, but that unfinished project speaks to a common human malady.  We sometimes fail to complete the projects we start.  The landscape of human history is littered with an immeasurable number of such half-finished undertakings.  And even if they are quote unquote “finished,” they are never brought to the point of true perfection, because true perfection in any matter lies in the realm of the Divine.  On this side of heaven, things are intrinsically and inevitably mired in the effects of the curse.

Things are different with God.  God finishes what He starts.  He always does.  That was true of God in creation.  He began a work in creation which we read about in Genesis chapter 1.  Then we read in Chapter 2, verse 1, “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed.”  That was true in the saving work of Jesus Christ, even as He declared from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30)!

Our verse speaks to the work that God does in the lives of those who trust in Him for salvation. God will finish the work that He starts in them. To put it another way, “Those who are truly saved will be kept saved by God and God will finish the work that He started in them.” The truth is founded on the reality of who God is. His love is such that nothing can work to separate us from it (Romans 8:37-39). His power is such that nothing can work to thwart His plans (Romans 8:31; Philippians 3:21). His wisdom is such that He can even use bad things to accomplish His good purpose (Romans 8:28-29). He is faithful to always, always, fulfill His promises and complete that which He has purposed to accomplish (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

He began a good work when He caused you to be born again (1 Corinthians 1:30).  His good work continues as the Spirit progressively transforms you into Christ’s image “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18).  One day, when you enter Christ’s presence, he will bring His work into completion, when He transforms your “lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:21).

You are in a race to be run with endurance.  The race knows of obstacles and detours and hardships that will likely bring you to your knees (or lay you flat out on your face in despair).  But the One who put you in the race is greater than all, and He will work to bring you safely home (2 Timothy 4:18).  You are in a good fight that must be fought.  You are threatened and confronted with Goliath-like opposition.  But your big enemies are small compared to our big God.  Through Him you are “more than (a) conqueror” (Romans 8:37).  You are His work of art (Ephesians 2:10).  Your salvation testifies to the miracle and majesty of His amazing grace.  Like a piece of clay in a potter’s hand, there are flaws to repair and necessary alterations to make.  The potter’s wheel goes round and round as He carefully works the clay.  We need never doubt the ability of the potter to bring to perfection the good work He began in us.

We face opposition, obstacles, challenges, defeats, setbacks, regrets, trials of various kinds—the path is not easy!  How important is this truth—that God will finish the work that He started in you! Steve Green had a song, “He who began a good work in you.”  Here’s some of what He said in that song:

HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK

He who started a work
Will be faithful to complete it in you

If the struggle you’re facing
Is slowly replacing your hope, with despair
Or the process is long,
And you’re losing your song In the night
You can be sure that the Lord Has His hand on you
Safe and secure He will never abandon you
You are His treasure,
And He finds His pleasure in you

He who started a work
Will be faithful to complete it in you

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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