Philippians 3: 12-14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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.”

When presented with two paths, it is easy to look at the easier of the two as the best path to take. The other stresses you and creates an aura of fear and dread around you…despite the fact you haven’t even begun down it yet. Every day you stand in front of these paths, looking down one and then the other, flipping back and forth in your mind at each second about which direction to go. Your own indecisiveness frustrates you, but your careful disposition wants to ensure the right choice is made.

As you remember your Father and the all-knowing, all-powerful attributes He is known for, you send out a pray as you lay down to rest. It is a broken prayer, full of confusion and fragmented sentences, weakness and pleas. You are desperately seeking guidance for your soul, but have no idea how to ask for it. Fortunately, your Father  understands what no other can. Upon waking the next morning with rays of sunshine painting themselves across your face, as if being whispered in a soft breeze, a verse comes to you. Although you cannot recall the book or chapter, the words are heard deep within your soul:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.

You try to deny it as you approach the paths once again, but your understanding is clear and you know what you must do. One path is easy with no obstacles to be seen. You recognize it to be the familiar path, similar to the one from which you just came. This path tempts you with the promise of an easy journey. But the verse continues to pull at your soul, imparting to you an secret many still do not know.  Standing at this fork, you know you are a different person, older and perhaps more mature than before. And you know the easy path is no longer for you.

While the second path seems dark, frightening, and difficult, there is Someone who stands at its entrance with a warm smile and outstretched arms, offering to walk along with you. Although his presence won’t eliminate the obstacles or make the path easy, you decide move with your faith. You let go of the path that brought you much comfort in the past and down the difficult path, hand in hand, you watch your Savior guide and protect your every step. And with faith, you “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called” you.

K.J.  01/13/2015