This Good Work
Philippians 1:6
About the Song
This was a really difficult song to write! Not because I couldn’t think of what to say, but because I had too much to say! I still have about eight pages full of half-verses that I could probably write another album out of. This song tells a lot of stories though.
There are a few passages in the Bible that are so powerful and moving to me that it’s hard for me to even say them out loud. This song is based on one of those passages. God promises to complete the good work He began in each of us, and to be honest, that’s a level of faithfulness that I still can’t quite wrap my mind around.
As a teacher, I want to be able to swoop in and rescue every kid from every struggle they’ll ever face. This song was written at the time when my spirit finally came to terms with the reality that I just am not going to be able to do that. If you’re a parent, I’d wager that you’ve swallowed that pill too. For each of us – teacher, mentor, or parent – it’s imperative that we remember WHO it was who began a good work in the lives of our kids and WHO promised to see it through.
As I’ve mentioned before, I learned a lot from interning at a Christian school for a semester, and in many different contexts. The process of learning and growing with these kids made them an extra special group of kids to me. One of the kids’ parents came to me with an academic concern that they thought I might be able to help with. Long story short, I wasn’t as good a teacher as I thought I was, and wasn’t able to save the day to the degree I had hoped I would.
Even still, that little girl was part of a group of kids that I loved dearly, and I wanted to be able to do something for her and her family, since they came to me. So I began to pray for her.
I don’t believe that every single thing that happens happens for a reason. However, the place we are in – our specific circumstances and situations - is a result of either obediently seeking God’s plan for our lives or not. For the last twenty years, God has given me the distinct honor of serving at a church full of big hearts who love, give, and obey the Lord fervently. They love the Lord with all of their hearts, their souls, and their minds, and they hunger for His word. I can’t be sure these people are aware of the level at which I have been closely monitoring and taking account of what these people say and do around me– especially the parents. In my line of work, I’m thankful to have been exposed to Godly parenting since my pastor’s oldest was born nearly twenty years ago.
Each line in this song is something I overheard a parent speak or pray over their child at some point over the last twenty years. In turn, each line in this song is something I prayed for that little girl, and have since begun praying for other children as I feel led. This is the song that testifies to what I set out to say with this album – how I have been INFLUENCED by twenty years of being around Godly parents, and in turn, how I am seeking to be a godly INFLUENCE as an educator.
I changed the wording so that it’s in the first person, meaning your kids can learn it and sing it over themselves! I meant this song to be an encouragement for your family and a gentle reminder of the promise God has made to each of you – that He doesn’t leave you hanging and that He will be faithful to finish what He started in you!
Lyrics
Fearfully, wonderfully - that's how You made me
created for good things that You have in store
For as long as I've known You, You've been at work in me
You taught me to be still and know You're the Lord
Help me to know just how strong You have made me
and to grow even stronger as I know You more
and give me the grace, Lord, to walk in the fullness
of everything You have created me for
Jesus I trust You with all that I am
'cause I'm safe in Your plans for me
and Lord, let my life be a story of hope
as I learn and I grow up in You
Oh, 'cause You finish what You begin
You fight for me and always win
And I know that You will complete this good work in me
Lord, if You're for me, then who'll stand against me?
If You are my stronghold, then who should I fear?
Your hand has protected me from the beginning
And when I was far away, You brought me near
Jesus I trust You with all that I am
'cause I'm safe in Your plans for me
and Lord, let my life be a story of hope
as I learn and I grow up in You
Oh, 'cause You finish what You begin
You fight for me and always win
And I know that You will complete this good work in me
I will remember the name of my Savior
who overcomes troubles and calms raging seas
'cause when faced with an obstacle-
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
through Jesus who gives me the strength that I need
Jesus I trust You with all that I am
'cause I'm safe in Your plans for me
and Lord, let my life be a story of hope
as I learn and I grow up in You
Oh, 'cause You finish what You begin
You fight for me and always win
And I know that You will complete this good work in me