{Joy Day 21} By Any Means Possible

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11, emphasis added

By any means possible.  I have to confess, this scares me.   Paul said this and he was stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned.  Me?  I’m more of a “go to church, hang out with my Christian friends, read Karen Kingsbury books, and talk about our favorite worship songs” kind of girl.   Any means possible sounds scary … and very brave.  I’m not particularly brave.  Okay, I’m not really brave at all.  I don’t like surprises, adventures, or trying new things.   Last year I read Radical by David Platt … and it tore me up!   All my fears and insecurities and excuses were shot to pieces by the reality of Scripture’s call.   We are called to a life of radical abandon … living with power and confidence – not in self but in Christ.

Lord, I am a scaredy cat … and far too often I’m working from a spirit of timidity rather than the Spirit of power You have given.   Forgive me for relying on my flesh and what I think or feel rather than on You.   And thank You for continuing Your work in my life, even when I am afraid and uncertain.   Will You give me courage, Lord, to live out “by any means possible”?  In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.