“Brothers and sisters, 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.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV)
Win God’s prize for your race.
Each of us has a path. God designed us for different purposes, accomplished with unique gifts. Jesus helps us uncover the gold within each of us. Embracing who we are in Christ is how we win the prize.
Like egg whites, folded into dough, Jesus folds into us. Baker’s fold ingredients into the mixture maintaining the original structure while improving it. Dough becomes lighter and fluffier as the air pockets increase. In the same way, our lives lighten as we lay our burdens at Jesus feet. Air moves into our lungs as we inhale His presence into our lives. Lighter, freer with each layer we fold into Him.
“And now, with God’s help, I shall become myself.” Soren Kierkegaard
Embracing Jesus helps us embrace ourselves. As we begin to understand the depth of His love for us, we change. For me, I stopped fighting and started living. Instead of trying to change my circumstances, I work on accepting them. My belief in God’s sovereignty means He knows exactly what is going on in my life; I trust He will use it for good. Believing that statement lightens my load. Allowing God to take control means I don’t have too.
God’s sovereignty allows me to accept my imperfections. My past mistakes help others learn, connect, and grow. My niece will never do certain things in her life because she knows what happened when I did them. None of us know who and how we are influencing others with our actions. When we are honest about our imperfections, it helps others accept theirs.
God’s sovereignty is wrapped in unconditional love. Knowing God loves me, despite all of my many sins, overwhelms me. Confessing my sin to others allows me to say, “And yet He still loves me.” God’s blessings overflow in my life, I’m not worthy of any of them. Yet He still gives. He humbles me with gentleness, He nurtures me with care. As I fold deeper in Him, the more I’m aware of His amazing love.
My birthday weekend was a gift from God. Plans changed last minute. Perfect weather, company, and food. God topped it off with a beautiful outdoor serenade. When asked if I enjoyed the trip, my answer is simple. “God is a lover, only a lover plans a trip that intimately.” Why? The details that made the trip perfect were details only I would love.
God loves each of us intimately. He’s polishing our gold. He’s leading us to the prize.
Question of the Day:
What gold is God polishing in you today?
Further Reading:Isaiah 66 NIV, Philippians 3:4-21 NIV, Psalm 74 NIV, Proverbs 24:15-16p pe NIV
