by Victoria Heinecke

Press on, with complete assurance.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Not that I have already obtained this (salvation) or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
Philippians 3:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo copyright David Hoffmeister

I have no idea where this path goes. I’ve never been to Emerson Point in Palmetto, Florida, but my friend David took this photo, along with others, to share what he has been enjoying on his visit.

One of David’s photos jumped out at me when I saw it on social media. I’ve been talking to God about a recent case of writer’s block, and when I saw this photo I heard Him say, “This.”

If you look at the decking, you can see a large Cross cast by the shadow.

The photo was taken at the precise moment when the sun would shine on the fence. Coincidence? No.

Sometimes I have no idea where I’m going, even with a map and a plan. Lately I’ve been juggling a new career with current commitments, and I’ve been relying on my wits to keep the plates spinning. I’m not proud to say that I’ve been telling God, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

That’s when the trouble begins, when I’m god of my life. Temptation swirls around me like an eddy, pulling me further and further away from the path God has directed for me. From past experience, I can attest that things don’t always end well.

Then I hear His voice saying, “This.”

Remember the Cross.

Jesus Christ came to earth, fully God and fully man, to redeem us all from our sinful lives. He paid the price for our sin, so that we may live in eternity with Him when we go to Heaven.

In spite of our stumbles, that’s a certainty. No matter how much we think we’ve got a handle on our lives, God’s directions are the true way.

Stay close to God, walk with Him, and keep his commandments: to love Him first and foremost, and to love others as yourself. His map will never fail you.

“I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.”
Psalm 119:16 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Colorado Springs, Colorado