Beach Reach Devotional | Thursday

Read Philippians 3

The end of Beach Reach is fast approaching. Everyone experiences the week differently, but I’m willing to bet you’re tired - whether that be physically, mentally, or spiritually. Thinking back to last year, I remember limping on my last leg by this time. You’ve been pouring out to others daily, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and it’s okay to admit that it takes a toll on the body and the soul. But, praise God that we do not live for this world or our flesh, but live as citizens of heaven. Knowing that we belong to and live as citizens of heaven, I invite you to press on today. 

Paul writes to the church in Philippians from prison, reminding them that there is real evil after them. I’m sure that’s been apparent to you on the island; evil is everywhere you look. But Paul brings us to a greater reality in verse 3: we are set apart as kingdom citizens. We worship “by the Spirit of God and glory of Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” What a gift. Paul knows this, too. He counts all of his earthly standing as loss for the sake of Christ, and rightly recognizes in verse 8 that knowing Christ is the greatest gain one can have. And, as we join Christ in our suffering - as we lose sleep, strain in prayer for others, or quiet a reckless drunk man - we are being made into His image. I’m encouraged by how we can end Beach Reach if we hold close to these truths and experience God’s love more fully. Pray to God and ask Him to draw you in, to help you know that you are not of the flesh, and to help you rejoice in your suffering as you press on. 

Paul states directly in verse 14 that he “press[es] on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What an encouragement. We strive not to attain anything of the world, but rather we strive to be with God in eternity. Remember, our works do not transform us or make us new; it is Christ alone who does. Be with Christ in your exhaustion. Be with Him in your weakness and cling to Him desperately these last few days as you press on. Allow Him to renew you and give you strength. Remember, as Paul says in verse 20, “our citizenship is in heaven,” and it is Christ “who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” when we are reunited with Him. So, in that, strive only to know, love, and glorify Him in your weakness. Pray this morning and ask God to reveal your goals for these last few days. Are they to achieve this upward call, or are you striving for something of the world?

Consider these in your pressing on:

• Read Psalm 1:1-3

  • Meditate on the imagery of the tree planted by streams of water. How can you, after pouring out all week, be like the tree while you press on?

• Listen to “Suffering Servant” by Deeper Well

  • What does it mean that Jesus has gone before you as a “Suffering Servant” and is with you in your struggles? What are some specific ways you are suffering for the gospel on Beach Reach?