Morning Devotional 050725 Embrace God's Calling

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  May 7, 2025

Philippians 3:10-14   

10 The righteousness that I have comes from knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the participation in his sufferings. It includes being conformed to his death 11 so that I may perhaps reach the goal of the resurrection of the dead. 12 It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already been perfected, but I pursue it, so that I may grab hold of it because Christ grabbed hold of me for just this purpose. 13 Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. 14 The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

Good Morning! All that we have comes from God!

As children, we grab hold of our parents’ hand when we step into danger. It is innate to cling to the one who provides us with protection. It is equally inherent to shy away from things that appear to be harmful or evil. 

As we grow and mature, many of these natural tendencies recede into our consciousness as we develop our persona of self-sufficiency. Think of the toddler who suddenly wants to walk without holding someone’s hand, even though the situation calls for caution. Sometimes, we, the parents, have to grab our child’s hand and hold it tightly until the danger subsides. 

When I consider Paul’s words describing Christ grabbing hold of him, I see a similar scenario. Saul, a Pharisee, has control of his life, and he is forging a good path for himself that includes prestige and wealth. He is traveling to gather up the next set of rebels (those who follow Christ) when Jesus grabs him and reveals a new way to live. 

The identity of Saul dies, and Paul emerges. Paul doesn’t dwell on his past life, but eagerly embraces the life that lies before him. This new life doesn’t include those earthly treasures that he zealously pursued. Paul’s goal is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! We like to think we are in charge and don’t need help. Thank you for grabbing us when we need to be saved from ourselves. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Look forward to each day in anticipation of God’s calling.

Embrace God’s calling! Pastor Liz