I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I’ve slipped on a pair of pants at a store and they fit me like a glove. Standing at five foot nothing, I can always count on looking down to find inches of extra fabric at my feet. That’s not the only concern.  I also wonder if my pants will pinch my quads or not, how much flesh might pinch over the waistband, or if the waist will be so roomy that an oversized shirt could be shoved all the way down past my thighs! Whenever I’m on the hunt for something new to wear, I assume from the start that I’ll have the added expense of having to get the clothes tailored to fit my frame just right.

So it is for us when receiving the newness of life that Jesus died to give.

“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.” -Philippians 1:6

When we give God our yes to faith in His son Jesus, He welcomes us with joy into his family, and then says “Come on! Let’s get you dressed!” Each of us receives the royal treatment: a beautiful robe fit for an extra large King, sandals two sizes too big, and a family crest ring bound with masking tape to keep it from spinning off of our tiny fingers.  It all feels too big on purpose! God knows that through the challenges ahead, by His grace and help we will grow into these glorious gifts He’s given us.

In other words, Paul is saying, “I know this thing doesn’t feel good or fit perfectly right now, but give it time. You’ll see how each circumstance is tailored to help you grow into these royal clothes!”

God’s heavenly tailor shop could be called “Bringing It To Completion: Tailoring You to Fit Into Your Clothes.” He welcomes us inside and has us “taken in” or “let out,” adjusting us by His grace. He makes us fit to move into the world, ready to image Him faithfully, and do His good Kingdom work.

As believers, each of us has been given new life in Christ. Like a child on Christmas day, we are excited and empowered by the idea of receiving something new. We love new. A new car, a new toy, a new friend, a new job, a new house. We crave new things because in the Kingdom we were made for– the Kingdom of God– nothing wears out, grows weary, or gets old. When something is new, nothing is familiar, feels comfortable, or seems to fit us perfectly when we first try it on.

If there is a learning curve to getting new things to work for us or to fit us, how much time and energy will we be willing to devote to learning a new thing?

Let’s give thanks to God that He sees each of us as the perfect “fit” as we walk out our new identities in Christ, living into the beauty of our God-given purpose.

Whatever hard thing you are facing today, take hope in the kindness of God’s heart, who in Christ promises to bring the good work He started in you to completion. You are being tailored and fit for your identity and purpose as a son or daughter of a God, who has made you well and is making you well, in every circumstance.