Always Reaching

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: 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” (Philippians 3:12-14, MSG).

One day, many years ago now, Jesus Christ reached out for me. He came to my rescue when I needed Him desperately. I never felt beautiful until He loved me. I never felt accepted until He made my life His own. He had waited so long for me to open my heart and accept His love, but I had held back because of my own failures and feelings of unworthiness. Then one day, I suddenly couldn't handle my life anymore. The moment I opened up my heart to Him, my unworthy life was suddenly one that had value. My failures didn't matter, and it was if they had never been. I was completely new–stripped of the old and held safely in His love.

Now, many years later, I look back over a life that has had the privilege of loving and serving Him. There have made many mistakes along the way, but there have also been wonderful blessings in knowing that He has used me to make a difference in someone's life. I've never had it all together for Him, but I have always reached out to the Savior who has continually reached out to me through the hardships of life. Paul's words in Philippians speak to my heart. I press on and will never give up. I will keep my eyes on the goal–on Him. He is my goal, and He is my life.

When the end of my life here on earth comes, I want to go out serving Him well. I want to go out giving my life for Him. Yes, I am like others. I want to hear, “well, done”. but more than anything else I want to kneel in the joy of His presence. Today is another day to be off and running for Him. Today is another day to serve and love. I may get older in body and age, but I always pray He will keep my spirit young and alive in Him.

There is no greater love than the love of a Savior, who gave His life for you and me. If you don't know how beautiful you are to Him–if your failures are too heavy to carry, He is reaching for you. Open the door of your heart to Him, and He will make all things new for you, too.