February 27, 2025
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.—Ephesians 1:4
Life is all about learning. I created the world and put you in it, not only so that you can enjoy all the beauties of My creation and the wonders around you, but also so that you can learn and grow in the process. There are valuable lessons you learn throughout life that help you to become the person that I created you to be, and to fulfill the purpose that I designed for you.
When times are difficult, remind yourself that I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My child and even the hairs on your head are all numbered (Luke 12:7). Life is filled with challenges, and at times it can be hard to see the bigger picture in what you are experiencing. Without the eternal vision, at times what you are going through can feel empty or meaningless. But if you put your heart into whatever you are doing and do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10), you will see the fruit of your labors—whether in this life or the next.
If life feels flat, try reaching out to someone in need and share a witness. When you are face to face with people who are searching for answers and struggling to find hope, it serves as a reminder of the treasure that you possess. Nothing can match seeing someone’s face light up as you share My love with them or you witness a soul enter into My kingdom. When you’re facing challenges and life feels overwhelming, reaching out to others in their time of need can help bring your problems into perspective, as you shine My light to the world around you.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.—Philippians 3:12
Persevering and not giving up as you run the race of your life can be like mountain-climbing. It takes real commitment to climb mountains—including preparation and training and equipping yourself for the journey. It can take weeks, even months, just to get ready to start climbing.
Mountain climbers have to determine to forge ahead to the summit no matter what obstacles they face. They may endure freezing temperatures and unexpected obstacles, and at times hazardous conditions. They have to forsake the comforts of home, and they get bumps and scratches and bruises along the way.
That’s the kind of commitment the walk of faith takes. Things may get tough along the way, but if you are determined to continue to strive toward the goal to win the heavenly prize to which you were called, you’ll keep persevering (Philippians 3:14).
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:6–7
When you accept the fact that you’re not going to be perfect and you learn how to handle the times when you don’t measure up to your own expectations, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. I know you want to do your best and to be a better person. So when you make mistakes or fail, it can be a natural reaction to fall into discouragement.
But remember, I know everything about you, and I love you. You don’t have to be perfect to be My disciple or to fulfill My purpose and calling for your life. Keep your eye on doing your best to live “the greatest commands” of loving Me with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39). Strive to grow in these areas.
You might feel like you have such a long way to go, but as you step out by faith to do your best to follow Me, you can be confident that I will bless your step of faith and help you to learn and grow through what you experience on the journey.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere … to the ends of the earth.—Acts 1:8
You may feel like you don’t know what to say when sharing your faith with others, and you don’t have the answers to everyone’s questions. Sometimes you may feel shy or awkward when witnessing to people, and you wish you could be as bold as a lion, and have more charisma, spunk, and knowledge so that you could be a better witness for Me.
Remember that the power to be a witness doesn’t come from you—it is Holy Spirit power working through you. Peter and John were described as uneducated and common men. But when they got up to preach, people marveled at their boldness (Acts 4:13). They knew that Peter and John were My disciples and that they had known Me, even though they were common fishermen in the eyes of the world.
The Holy Spirit’s presence in your life gives you the power to speak My Word and be a witness for Me. You just need to be willing to go out and share My truth and My love with the world, and then trust in Me to work in people’s hearts and lives through the witness they receive.
But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13–14
You are My unique creation. When I created you, I didn’t use a cookie cutter! There’s never been anyone else like you. Even if you don’t feel special, you have My Spirit in you and My love shining through you, which makes you a sight to behold. You were chosen and appointed to bear fruit that will last (John 15:16).
You have been called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14–15). That requires keeping yourself separate from the influences of the world. It just takes small compromises to become vulnerable to the entrapments of this world to where your focus becomes skewed. So be prayerful and stand strong in your convictions. Be wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove in your dealings with the world (Matthew 10:16).
Unless you’re living in an igloo on the North Pole or in a hut on a desert island somewhere, you’ll always be coming in contact with the world and its influences—as well as its evils. But with My strength and grace, you can stay free of ungodly influences and make choices that will further My kingdom and your role in it.
I have called you to be My light on earth. You carry the torch of My love, and it radiates light and warmth to all you meet. Some will run and hide from the light because they fear it, but others will run to it for life and strength. Hold high the torch of My light and truth as you run the race set before you with endurance and strive toward your heavenward calling.
Originally published in 1999. Adapted and republished February 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Fogarty.
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