Reaching Forward

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, 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.

As I've been packing and saying goodbye this week, I've been thinking about how hard it is to be married to a United Methodist pastor. I somewhat identify with Jesus who had no place to lay his head. Although not the same, the place where I put my head changes so much that sometimes I forget where I am!

Then I think about Paul. His calling from Jesus meant that he never stayed in one city all that long either. And, he underwent tremendous amounts of persecution for preaching the name of Jesus. Yet, when placed in chains in prison, what was his response? Singing and praising God with joy.

Although nowhere near experiencing what Paul did, I can somewhat understand him. Yes there were many difficulties in his life, but there was also adventure that comes only from following God. He got to meet people in all walks of life who loved Christ. No matter where he went, Jesus was there~as were those loved Him. And, he got to experience first hand the amazing works of God in so many lives. No wonder he felt joy!

So, while saying goodbye is hard for our family, excitement is possible because we know that the people in our new church love Christ too. Already we have a relationship built on common ground with people who are seeking to know Christ and to make him known.

I don't know what's ahead for us. But one thing I do know: together we will press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Now that's something to rejoice about.