Mid Week Devotional

"Pressing On"

May 19, 2021

Old Church Sunset

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12-14

I came across this picture last evening. It was taken on March 30, 2020, the early stages of the pandemic and the great shut down. I remember standing in the parking lot watching the sunset thinking how pretty it was despite the uncertainty that was raging in our society. Yet as I looked at “Old Bellamy” I realized that this church has faced challenges before, and the church was still here. I had a sense that we would weather the current situation and continue to serve the Lord in our community.

In this picture there is the “Old Church” which was idle at this moment but is now a place of hope for families with our food ministry. There is the picnic pavilion which has become the place for our 9 a.m. worship service. There is the mail box where the church faithfully continued to support the ministries during a shutdown. Behind the mailbox were the tubs which collected food, diapers, books, and hope! We are where we are today because we pressed on.

Paul is encouraging his readers to always strive for lies ahead. Knowing where you have come from is important, but not to dwell on that. Instead, throw your whole energy for what lies in front of you, the prize of faith promised by Jesus. Paul admits he still has work to do. We as a church still have work to do. But we are not where we were in March of 2020, we are worshiping again, receiving Holy Communion again, baptizing in the name of Jesus again, singing again, welcoming new friends into our family again. We are pressing on.

Sometimes it is important to look back so we can see how far God has led us forward. Let’s give thanks for the ability to press on today!

PRAYER: Gracious God, thank you for being with us on our journey. We have had some challenges but you were always with us and you call us to press on towards a bright future where you are waiting for us. Grant us the strength to keep moving ahead. Keep us on the path to you and your grace. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.