READING: Isaiah 20-24, Philippians 1
Our families have faced much death in the past few months. Whenever that happens, you can’t help but think about your own mortality—and how others will remember you. I suppose all of us could write our own obituary now to say what we’d like it to say, but the truth is that others will write it for us. Not only will someone literally write it for us, but others will determine what the obituary really should say based on our lives. I don’t know what others would write about me, but I’m challenged by these words from the apostle Paul in today’s New Testament reading: “My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil 1:20).
Paul was in prison as he wrote this letter. Even in that setting, though, he had seen the Lord use him as His witness so that even the guards heard of the gospel through him. Paul had remained faithful through the most difficult of times—and he eagerly expected that he would continue to do the same. In no way did he ever want to be ashamed of his walk and his Lord; and, he trusted the Lord would give him courage to remain faithful. Whether he lived or died, he wanted to honor Christ.
That ought to be our prayer today, too: “Lord, let me live in a way that pleases you, no matter what my faith might cost me. If it costs me my death, that’s okay, too—just let me honor You all the way.”
PRAYER: “Father, do let me live this way today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: With every step along the way today, please the Lord. Pray for those around the world who will lose their lives today for their faith.
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 25-29, Philippians 2