June 11, 2014

Philippians 1: 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith

 Paul is torn between the life he is now living in prison and the promise of eternal life to come. He knows that the afterlife will be far superior to life on Earth, but he doesn't feel that his work on Earth is done. His desire is to join Christ, but he feels it is necessary to complete his ministry on Earth.

 I haven't suffered like Paul in prison. I haven't battled cancer or any other life-threatening illness personally. However, this passage struck me as a similar message. For those who fight for their lives against illness or injury, this must be the way they think. It would be nice to join our heavenly family and end the suffering, but one must go on until the race is over on Earth.

 Prayer: I pray for all those who are fighting for their lives. They need to feel the promise of eternity with You, but they also know their worth here. So many people I know or know of are facing this battle. Be with them and guide them so that their work on Earth can be fulfilled, and then draw them near to you. Console those who are left behind.
 Amen