Stay in the game
By Rick Edwards A Point Of Light

"My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith." Philippians 1:23-25

There's a ritual that takes place at the beginning of every professional ball game called "the pre-game speech." Before the players take the field, the coach gets everyone together and reminds them of the basics of their game. Every week he says the same stuff but one way or another he gets them focused and fired up to take the field.

I so respect the example of the apostle Paul who in many ways played coach to a lot of first century churches. Notice what he wrote in Philippians 1:25, "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith."

Paul says, my goal is your progress and joy in the faith. The word progress refers to a group that blazes a trail in uncharted territory. Do you know that God wants to forge fresh ground in your life? He has incredible things in mind for you- things you haven't even dreamed about yet. Often we think God's priority is what He wants to do through us. Now I'm all for building and caring for God's kingdom, but God's priority is never what you can do for Him but always what He wants to do in you.

Whether you've known Christ for four weeks or 40 years, there's still progress to be made in your walk of faith. Isn't it great to think that God wants to open up new territories in your life? He's not done training you yet. Get fired up and focused on what's ahead of you today in your relationship with God and keep your head and heart in the game.

You may wonder, what if it gets hard? No doubt it will. At times you'll be tempted to walk off the field. But stay in there. Determine now to keep doing what God will bless and I promise you that you'll rejoice throughout eternity.

Take the field today eager to break new ground in living for Jesus Christ!

Peace, Pastor Rick Rick Edwards is pastor of Murphy First Baptist Church.