"I strive toward the goal – the prize of the heavenly calling from God through Jesus Christ" (Phil., ch. 3, v. 14*).
A few years ago, my father, who was a pastor for 50 years, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The illness ended his pastoral ministry, and it was all too easy for him to succumb to self-pity. But he persisted. When we moved him to a specialized hospital facility, his wheelchair, which had also become his bed, turned into his new pulpit. He would roam the corridors with it, telling everyone about the Lord Jesus. When tornado warnings occurred and all beds were moved to the inner corridors, Dad began singing hymns to encourage the other patients and calm their fears. In many ways, his influence was stronger than ever in the last days of his life.
Some people believe that their best days are behind them. The truth is, it depends on us whether the best days have ended or are yet to come. It's a decision we make every day. In Philippians, while Apostle Paul is in prison awaiting a death sentence, he expresses his decision to look upward, anticipating even more incredible things to happen. He urges us to leave the past behind and strive forward toward a higher calling.
The Lord is not finished with us. When it seems that our life lacks purpose, we can ask Him for a new forward-focused perspective and trust that our best days are yet to come.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2025-05-07
* Biblical quotes are from The Bible, a new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013