I press on toward the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize. Philippians 3:14 (Message)
Hello Friend,
I watched the conclusion of the winter Olympics last night. What an amazing celebration—all those smiling athletes sporting their medals. And they deserve to be proud after all those years of diligent practice dedicated to their sport-of-choice. What a crowning achievement. I greatly admire their tenacity and dogged determination—their grit and bravery. Certainly I am not an Olympian, but I have a goal. I want, deep in my heart, to experience more moments of sacred splendor. No, I won’t win a medal for my effort, but I long for those fleeting glimpses of God’s presence which affords me moments of peace and serenity.
I have not always been a serene Christian. Many might call me worried, frenzied, fearful, and a perfectionist. Not the most stellar qualities I wish to embody. Over the years I have achieved a certain quality of serenity. But I wish to be more than calm and peaceful; I want the experience of sacred splendor. More moments when I am sure, beyond doubt, that I am at-one with God. Moments when I can feel His breath on my cheek. Moments when the sensation of His presence is not wished-for, but felt within my realm of the senses. I long to know Him, touch Him, hear His voice, and see with the eyes of faith, His face. And I am willing to pursue that goal with all the resolve of an Olympic athlete. Yes, I will require training. Yes, I must practice. Yes, I will experience failure at times. But oh, the thrill of Victory! I know that I will have victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. What is the goal you are pursuing? And does it have heavenly benefits? If not, I encourage you to come into God’s training arena—the church. I don’t promise a gold medal, but God promises you will receive jewels in your crown. Linda