The Anticipation of Building

Our new barn is being built as I write. It’s a huge project, with numerous steps and massive amounts of labor and materials, and it’s exciting to see it go up day by day. 

Like many visions, it’s been an unfolding story; one that started several years ago. Soon after we bought our historic farmhouse, on an acre of land, we started to talk about re-building our present barn. It’s old, the roof leaks, the walls have weeds growing through, and some of the siding is missing. 

Sadly, we realized the old barn was beyond repair, so the conversation moved to building a new one. And when our son relocated here, our idea…our dream…our vision…became a reality. Months of planning, discussion and design-creation ensued. 

As materials arrived and excavation began, my anticipation began to build. In June the cement footings were poured, and a month ago we started to frame the building. Week by week, I’ve seen the pieces move into place with the labor of my son, my husband, and some help from others – including me! 

And here’s what I discovered: the more the building took shape, the greater my sense of anticipation. When I was able to stand inside the structure for the first time – still unfinished, but with a real roof overhead – it all started to seem so real. And, since building goes on just about every day, it is with a growing sense of anticipation that I walk outside to see the latest developments, looking forward to – and longing for – the finished product. 

Watching this process, and working to help build the structure, has been a good object lesson for my journey of faith. 

In writing to the believers in Philippi, the Apostle Paul offers these thoughts: 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 in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13).

God offers us salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus, yet here we are told to “work out our salvation”. However, working out our salvation is different than working forour salvation. I think Paul is describing an ongoing, spiritual building process that God begins once we receive the initial gift of salvation. 

As we continue to respond to God in faith, he transforms us…step by step…so that he can fulfill his good purposes in and through us. He’s building us up and making us new, day by day, so we can reflect ever more of his attributes and character. He’s continually bringing us ever closer to the finishing point; that day when his work in us will be completed…that day when the hope of our salvation will become real…and we will enjoy our God and be in his presence forever. 

Paul’s words to the Philippian Christians remind us that the life of faith is a lengthy journey; more like a cross-country trek than a quick sprint down a track. So working out our salvation with fear and trembling can be a challenge. We must learn to trust God for the long haul. We must learn to trust God more than we trust ourselves. We must lay aside our pride and become humble disciples; following Jesus with an attitude of holy fear and awe and trembling. 

It’s a big, lengthy building project. It can’t be rushed. Yet we can embrace it enthusiastically when we have a vision for what we will become: a person with a fully-formed, Christ-like character. That’s the finished product. 

Can you let God give you a sense of anticipation for what he is building into your life?