Forgetful Straining

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. 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. (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)

My wife inspires me.

And I don’t say that in the off case she may read this post—she really does inspire me.

Some time ago she set herself the task of training as a Christian Counsellor. For two years she worked tirelessly as a mother, wife, friend, leader, and student. As a student, she laboured over books and keyboards, she cried, laughed, prayed, and despaired.

Then, at last, the long-awaited night arrived; she submitted her final assessment piece.

I was with her when she pressed that inviting little icon that symbolised the crowning moment of two hard years.

Send.

She rejoiced so much she cried.

We hugged.

That moment made all the moments of wanting to quit, wanting to walk away from it all, worthwhile.

One day, maybe even today, you and I need to have a ‘send’ moment. A moment of clarity that puts the rest of life into perspective.

Paul had one.

That moment when everything that had gone before faded away to reveal a vision of the glory that was yet to come. A vision that renews drooping arms and strengthens failing legs, a vision of the calling God has on our life.

My wife has made an excellent Counsellor. She soon forgot the hardships of study, set her eyes on the next horizon and fulfilled her calling.

Yet, in Christ, there is a greater calling on each one of us.

So strain for something that counts.

The upward call of Christ is a prize worth pursuing.