Philippians 3:14,15-I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you

You soon realize in life that there are many reasons why rationally it seems easier to give up on difficult people, situations, family, and even faith in God. We hate the stress of things not working as we hoped. So to avoid the stress of believing things are ever going to be what we desire, we quit. We quit emotionally, mentally, and finally physically. Still reasoning that we know what’s best even though things have not worked out as we planned.

But how in the world could a man like the apostle Paul face all the obstacles he faced in pioneering the gospel to the unknown parts of the world, and not completley quit? He even admits he wanted to die at one point because things were so difficult! But why didn’t he quit when he had every rational reason to do so, with things not working out as he may have planned?

The apostle Paul knew that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lived in him! So in believing that, he humbled himself. Knowing he had no strength to want to do God’s will apart from grace. Paul pressed on, knowing that Christ intense love to die for us, should equate to an intense love to live for Him, and not quit on Him, anyone or anything He has entrusted us to steward over and glorify Him with!

I know I have had to humble myself and pray numerous times for God to give me the intensity for Him, that I not quit from hardship and dashed expectations in this life, I pray that you would be persuaded to do the same.

In His Love, Ld