29 October 2022

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me;
and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two:
my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better;
but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you...
From Philippians 1: 18-26, NRSV

Paul’s trust and confidence in Christ is absolute. It seems to go deeper than “I believe in Jesus” to something that is at the very core of his being – but also a sense that he himself is held deep in Christ. Few of us have such an experience but it is powerful to hear his words today – the desire to leave this life behind and enter fully into the life of Christ vying with the desire to stay on earth and proclaim this person who has changed his life.

• • What does Paul’s dilemma tell you about his trust and faith in Christ?
  • When have you had an experience – however brief – of overwhelming faith and love for Jesus? 

Pray today for a deeper sense of Christ’s love for you and an openness to encountering it in whichever ways Christ chooses to show it to you.