by Victoria Heinecke

Press on, in spite of what’s unknown.

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

“… 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 3:13b-14 English Standard Version (ESV)

I travel to eastern El Paso County throughout the year, and I love the view of the mountains and the plains from that vantage. In this photo, there is a ridge on the horizon, blocking the view of what lies beyond.  Usually I think about what lies beyond with a sense of wonder, but on a recent trip my imagination was more fearful. I imagined that there might be a precipitous drop just beyond the ridge, similar to that drop-off we might see on our Rocky Mountain roads. In reality, what’s beyond it is more plains.

We can tell what’s beyond the horizon when we use a map. They’re useful in showing us how the land is laid out, and where the roads will take us. A map application on our phone even tells us where the next coffee stop is!

Traveling through life can be very different. There’s no map, and even the soundest directions from those around us, no matter how well-intentioned, doesn’t always pan out. Sometimes life can be fearful; we may be going through an adversity, and we don’t know what the next day might bring.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he encourages the church to remain joyful in all circumstances. This doesn’t mean being happy and confident, although there are many days where we can enjoy those feelings. Being joyful means remembering that God’s in control, no matter how uncertain our lives may seem at the moment. Going to God’s Word, and being in an active relationship with Him in our prayers, can help us find comfort and guidance as we travel through life.

Dear Lord, be with us as we sojourn in life. Help us remember that you are in control of our lives, even when we can’t see what lies ahead. Give us courage and help us stand firm in faith in you. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Colorado Springs, Colorado