A strait betwixt two....

Navigating through life always brings twists, turns, ups and downs.  Some days are better than others but all in all, we hope to have more ups than downs.  The apostle Paul was no stranger to challenge and change.  He actually had it rougher than most of us, but sometimes when we're in the throws of whatever today's challenge is, it doesn't feel like it.

Paul had a keen sense of purpose.  More so than most of us.  The price he paid for that purpose was also far higher than most of us pay.  He gave up position, family, home, freedom, everything to fulfill what he considered the call of God on his life.  Now, God made that call pretty obvious to him on the road to Damascus, but even before that he was a driven individual.  He gave his all to his purpose.  He went after the Christians with a vengeance, not withholding anything.

Considering all that Paul endured, it is not unimaginable that he would consider this life to be less than ideal, and that he might be happier in heaven.  In Phil. 1:21-25 he states his feelings pretty openly.  "I don't really want to stay here, it's better for me to go home with God, but for you it's better if I stay."  Just as Jesus accepted His place on the cross for the joy of the harvest, Paul accepted his position, suffering for Christ, as the price necessary for the harvest.

How often we face crisis or difficult circumstances and fail to see the coming harvest.  Life's potholes are unavoidable whether you're serving God or not, but if you are in the center of God's will, as Paul was, the joy of the harvest gives you purpose, and peace.  As parents we endure great sacrifice and difficulty without always seeing the fruit, but we try to accept that the effort is worth it, and it will pay off in children who become productive, significant adults.  Whether as parents, children, siblings, friends, or associates of those around us, we are influencers.  Remember that your position in someone else's life is important.  If you share the love and truth of God to those around you it makes more difference than you can ever imagine.  A kind word, or a small prayer can make a giant difference in someone's life.  Encouragement is unbelievably powerful so remember that even if you don't see the harvest, or you're not sure you ever stepped into your true purpose, you are making a difference in those around you that will have lasting impact.

Paul was confident that he was significant to those around him.  Confident enough that the sacrifice of staying with them was more important to him than his own comfort and happiness.  I also find myself in a strait betwixt two.  Making a choice.  To live is Christ, to die is gain, yet having this confidence that I will stay here and continue with you all for your furtherance of joy and faith. (vs. 25) 

Join me in this journey won't you.  Let's navigate life with our eyes on the harvest, making our decision to live in joy and victory to bring others the truth.  I am confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  (Phil. 1:6)