Daily devotion – pull in two directions
Philippians 1: 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
I used to read this passage and try to understand what it was that Paul was saying here in this ‘split’ decision he was talking about. That of being in Heaven with Christ, or here on earth serving Him in the Church.
But now as I have grown older both in years and my walk with God, I know full well what was in Paul’s statement.
Each day as we grow in our love and understanding of God, we grow closer to Him and our love for Him increases expeditiously as well.
We yearn to be with our Lord, to see Him face to face, to be in glory with Him. But our connection with our loved ones, the work of the ministry, and our desire to see more family and friends come to Christ also drives us to remain where we are at right now.
Remember Paul had been given a ‘snapshot’ a peak into glory and what he saw in Heaven was beyond his ability in words to describe. Such was its glory!
To fulfil our desire to be with the Lord in glory will only be achieved by us being relentless in the work God has for each of us to finish now in this world.
Once we have run our race, He will call us to glory.
But right now, we can have our eyes on the prize, and our hearts in Heaven. This time will pass much sooner than we think.
Look forward to worshipping with you all at both our Sunday services and sitting under God’s precious Word until we are finished in our work and called home.