Recently as I rode my bicycle on the nearby Monon trail, I noticed the number of athletes pushing themselves. Beyond leisure, beyond comfort, beyond what they had achieved last year or even yesterday. It reminded me of this passage from Philippians 3:

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. By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. (NIV/MSG)

This both inspires and convicts me. Where am I running hard in my spiritual life? Am I focused on the goal and not looking back? Do I “press on” and aggressively move forward outside my comfort zone? May we continue to relentlessly pursue knowing Christ in a deeper way. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding of both the power of the resurrection and joining in his suffering and service.

Thank you for how you have pursued showing the love and compassion of Jesus to the least of these in India and Nepal. Through your partnership with ServLife, orphans, families and entire villages in India and Nepal are being loved and empowered. Your sacrifice, support and service is making a transformational difference in the lives of churches, children and families in India and Nepal, and the love of Jesus is spreading. Thank you.

Lord, give us the courage to abandon our comforts and to pursue you with everything that we have. Draw us close to yourself and grant us a deeper understanding of your power and sacrifice. May we intimately know and share your love. Amen.