Pastor’s Corner – November 2, 2023
Words of Encouragement from Paul (IV)
About fifteen years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes a letter to the first house church he founded in Macedonia (northern Greece), in the city of Philippi. Paul is writing from prison, uncertain about his survival. And yet, this letter is marked by gratitude and a spirit of joy and rejoicing in Christ.
Like Paul, we know what it’s like to face adversity and uncertainty. May Paul’s words of encouragement bring hope and renewal of joy and faith to you.
In the third chapter we find this encouragement: this 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 (Philippians 3:13-14).
Especially when things are uncertain, it really helps to keep things simple by focusing on what matters most. For Paul that was to press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. When we keep our focus on Jesus, we are choosing the high road. It can be tempting in adversity to get stuck in blaming or reacting to evil with evil. The low road is the easy path, but it leads to mutual destruction. The high road holds the promise of reconciliation and restoration. As Jesus said, the high road is narrow and difficult but leads to life (Matthew 7:14).
Try this advice from Paul and see if you discover the gift of encouragement.
Yours in Christ,
Marc
