Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is a compact letter so full of deep wisdom and practical direction. One of my favorite verses in this little gem is the last part of the 13 – 14th verses of chapter 3:
“… 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 …” (Philippians 3:13b – 14a, NIV)
Written by Paul around the first century, it still holds truth today. Did you know that Paul had a chronic illness? His illness was so bad that in his second letter to the church at Corinth, he tells them that he prayed for healing three times, but God told him, “No,” each time.
It was then that Paul, instead of wallowing in self-pity, made a decision to embrace his weakness. In fact, verse 10 of chapter twelve says,
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV)
By that he meant that he’d reached a point where he couldn’t do anything (you know you’ve been there), that’s when he let God take over. And God always works in mighty ways. That’s the prize that Paul wanted – the life that God created just for him.
And that’s where we’ve got to find our joy when life gets to be too much. The prize that God planned for us is just over that hill of pain, discouragement, loneliness or grief. Isn’t that great? We’ve just got to keep climbing until we get to the top.
Questions for You:
- In the Shadow of Jezebel had several characters who pressed on in the midst of hardship. Was there ever a time in your own life when you leaned into either of these verses for comfort? You don’t have to go into specifics.
- What verses help you overcome?
Comments 6
I have had several times of needing to let God handle things. I don’t remember using those specific verses. I have used several in Psalms and the Gospels. I have put my trust in God and turn to Him when I am afraid or in trouble. I can’t do things only He can. I will say that I usually try to handle things and when I get in too deep I yell for help. I need to yell for help first. I covet your prayers that I do.
I know what you mean, Connie. I do the same thing! It’s the ol’ when-all-else-fails-read-the-instructions syndrome.
I’m so thankful that God knows our heart and that we belong to him no matter how much we goof up or try to do it ourselves. We just need to learn to rest in him sometimes.
Yes, Connie. Praying for you now. Hugs!
Author
Beautiful devotional, Angie. I think the truth of Phil.3:13-14 meets us in a lot of situations dealing with our past. You and I deal with chronic illness, but these verses can also speak to those (including me) that fight addiction, past failures, regrets of every kind. Our past–or even our present–can be a “ball and chain,” holding us back from the good future God has for us.
Thanks for reminding us that we have a glorious future, secured by our all-powerful Savior!
Striving toward it with you, Sista!
Mesu
Thank you so much, Mesu! 🙂 Yes, dealing with chronic illness is always at the front of my mind, but like my cousin posted on her FB page, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
This topic really meshes with your June News: Paralysis of Analysis post too, doesn’t it? It always amazes me when God allows/orchestrates those affirmations. Thanks so much for the opportunity to post here on your page. 🙂
Angie, I really like that quote about everyone fighting their own battle and us not being able to see it. I also have fibromyalgia. I’m sure Mesu would agree that we sometimes look good on the outside, but if you could see what was going on on the inside:( But He always sees. And His word offer comfort in all of our trials and challenges. I have faith that every thing that happens in our lives is serving a purpose He has for us. His word is a comfort and joy every day:)
I’m so sorry you have fibro. It’s one of those things that you can’t understand until you have it, but you wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
“I have faith that every thing that happens in our lives is serving a purpose He has for us.” — Love that statement. We have to keep that faith, even when it seems as though there’s no way in the world He can use.
Thanks for your own comforting words. <3