KEEP ON ROLLING
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: 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 3:13-14, ESV
Theme: Rather than complaining or giving up, we can choose to keep going, depending on God’s strength, even when the challenge seems insurmountable.
TOLERATING DISCOMFORT
This year I have been taking a jiujitsu-based self-defense class weekly with my oldest daughter. Learning a new skill, becoming accustomed to close contact, and allowing myself to be in vulnerable positions has been more challenging than I expected. The first day, we had to start in a “closed guard” with one person wrapping their legs around the other; my discomfort spiked. We learned a move, then practiced it, took turns, and ran it again. On the ride home, I vented my discomfort and expressed how unusual it was to be so close to others, straining, trying, failing, and learning. After a few weeks of learning we were ready to “roll.” Rolling is kind of like sparring. Rolling requires combining skills learned and improvising to escape--or getting a submittal or “tap” from your opponent.
DON'T TAP OUT
In the movie Soul on Fire, John O’Leary survives after sustaining catastrophic burns in a house fire. He was certainly in excruciating pain for months. Yet, in an amazing show of strength and determination, he chooses to keep fighting, keep pushing, and keep struggling, even on the hardest days.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, ESV). The upward call of God is our worthy purpose, and we don’t have to wait to answer it. It is not only future salvation or heaven, but the upward call is accomplished now when we trust God, refuse to give up, and refuse to complain. Continuing despite discomfort, pain, and struggle shows that we believe life God’s way is worth tolerating. Refusing to tap out on the jiujitsu mat shows willingness to stay in that season of discomfort with hope. When we refuse to tap out of seemingly impossible predicaments, refuse to focus on the past, and refuse to worry about the future, we are choosing to instead trust God and depend on His strength.
Make It Personal: What gave John O’Leary from Soul on Fire the uncommon ability to endure? What situations invite you to keep on going, and tolerate discomfort or pain without tapping out?
Pray: Lord, thank You for giving me work to do right now. I’m sorry that my tolerance for discomfort is sometimes low. Help me to see the value of fortitude and to rely on You for strength whenever I face the impossible. "For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, ESV). Amen.
Read: Philippians 3:12-17; Matthew 24:12-14
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: 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 3:13-14, ESV