"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (ESV) (Philippians 3:13-14).
Paul is saying that he is single-minded. He has heard the call of God, and he is determined on that course, no matter what. Jesus Himself appeared to Paul and commissioned him to take the the Gospel into his world.
Chambers' reading today says "there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you", not the gentle tap on the shoulder, but a grip that you cannot get away from. The child of one of our friends, when asked about his teacher at school, came back with the statement that "she had a really good grip". Paul felt that grip, and it kept him going toward the goal.
I am not so sure what that grip of God feels like. Do only those who are called to full time service of some kind actually feel it, or is it for all of us "common Christians"?
I think of our oldest grandson, Sawyer, again today. He has his whole life in front of him and has the abilities to do a lot. I pray that God would get a firm grip on him, and that he would march to that drum beat. In fact I would also pray that for Sydney, Drew, Caroline, Lucy, Archer and Cady Gray. Precious kids all, and full of potential.
But the prayer is not only for those who are young. All of us who are on this side of the sod, are still here for a reason. Oh, that we might feel the grip of God and be single-minded in the following of His purpose, regardless of our ages, and regardless of our call.
Especially me.
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