20 Dec January 5th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

THE GOAL IS STILL IN FRONT OF YOU – Part II

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I finished the race.  I ran two miles! I was the last runner to cross the finish line. I strained with all my might to keep running until my body went across that white line on the track.  I collapsed immediately after crossing the finish line, but I crossed it.

Spiritually, you are still running the race.  You have not yet completed the life that God has given you.  There is more yet for you to do.  “But one thing . . . forget what is behind. . .” What is behind is over.  You can’t go back and redo.  You are where you are.  It is what is still to come upon which God wants you to focus.  Most important, He wants you to keep your eyes on the finish line, no matter how much your legs are hurting, lungs are burning, and your heart is pounding.

Press on, God says.  Press on toward the finish line!  “. . . press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (you) heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  What is spiritual matters.  All else is of no significance.  Jesus said, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then He will reward each person according to what they have done.” (Matthew 16:26-27)

God has called you through your baptism, by the power of the Gospel, through the work of His Holy Spirit to faith in Jesus.  He has done this because He loves you and it is His desire that you will spend eternity with Him in heaven.  Remember, you can only reach this goal through your faith in Christ Jesus. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Prayer:  Lord, my life continues.  For how long I do not know.  Please give me faith to continue on toward the goal You have given me of eternal life with You through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.

Entrust your days and burdens To God’s most loving hand;

He cares for you while ruling The sky, the sea, the land.

For He who guides the tempests Along their thund’rous ways

Will find for you a pathway And guide you all your days.

Rely on God your Savior And find your life secure,

Make His work your foundation That your work may endure.

No anxious thought, no worry, No self-tormenting care

Can win your Father’s favor; His heart is moved by prayer.

Take heart, have hope, my spirit, And do not be dismayed;

God helps in ev’ry trial And makes you unafraid.

Await His time with patience Through darkest hours of night

Until the sun you hoped for Delights your eager sight.

Leave to His direction; His wisdom rules for you

In ways to rouse your wonder At all His love can do.

Soon He, His promise keeping, With wonder-working pow’rs

Will banish from your spirit What gave you troubled yours.

O blessed heir of heaven, You’ll hear the song resound

Of endless jubilation When you with life are crowned.

In your right hand your maker Will place the victor’s palm,

And you will thank Him gladly With heaven’s joyful psalm.

Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen; With joy our spirits bless

Until we see the ending Of all our life’s distress.

And so throughout our lifetime Keep us within Your care

And at our end then bring us To heav’n to praise You there.

(LSB 754)