Scripture: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Examination: Paul is writing to the believers in the church at Philippi. He is reminding them to live by faith, not my traditions or works. He encourages them to remember Jesus’ power as evidenced by the resurrection, to serve Him only, and to focus on spiritual benefits, not carnal ones.
Application: Living the Christian life is not an easy one, and it was never promised to be one. The world that we live in is constantly at war with the spiritual life we strive to walk. We face the same challenges that non-believers face; there are no pitfalls in life in which believers are immune. Financial woes, serious illnesses, rejection, loneliness, aging, death of loved ones… this list that goes on and on is no respecter of persons. Christian and non-Christians face these struggles throughout life equally, but there is one extremely important difference in the lives of Christians. We never have to face these challenges alone.
Amazingly (considering who we are and who He is), Jesus has done everything to make a relationship with Him possible. His sacrifice on the cross demonstrated the incredible love that He has for each one of us! It was His precious blood that paid for every one of my sins, and that is what makes me determined to live for Him today. My faith is not a fire insurance policy; it is the conscious commitment to the belief that I hold in what Jesus did for me on the cross and what He says in His Word. I am determined to trust Him and to try to live according to what the Bible says every day of my life. Easy? Not at all. But I have the sweet assurance that I am held securely in the hand of God, and He is helping me become more like Jesus every day. Philippians 1:6 reminds me, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Jesus never promised my life would be a bed of roses. In fact, He stated just the opposite. 2 Timothy 3:12 states, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” But Jesus also promised that no matter happened in my life, He would always be with me. Joshua 1:9 reminds us of this truth, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
While Satan will do everything he can to diminish or destroy my faith in God, I am determined to follow my Lord as long as I live. When times are hard, I know to Whom I can depend; when times are good, I know the One who has blessed me, and when times are uncertain, I know Who controls everything.
Determining to trust God with my life and my soul is the best decision I have ever made. My life’s journey has had many ups and downs, but since Jesus became my Saviour, I’ve never walked alone… and I never will.
Memory Verse: “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” – Psalm 56:4
Stretching your thoughts:
1. How can you encourage someone who is going through a hard time and struggling with their faith?
2. How has someone helped you navigate through a struggle that seemed overwhelming at the time?
My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed.
I trust the ever-living One; His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.
My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name, salvation thro' his blood.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.
(from “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” by E. E. Hewitt)