Robbed, or Richly Rewarded

"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Philippians 3:7-8

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching for unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

In context, Chapter three of Philippians is all about leaving behind the Law and pressing toward Jesus Christ. "Paul considered as loss, not only the things already listed in verses 5 and 6, but everything.  In exchange for the confidence in the flesh, Paul gained the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ personally as his Lord and Saviour.   His former 'gains' were all 'rubbish' so that he might gain Christ. Nothing else mattered to him anymore." Walvoord & Zuck

In application, the Lord showed me something the other day in these verses.  He called out 'my perspective' on my life and compared it to 'His purpose.'  Suddenly my life looked completely different.  In all transparency, I have a tendency to look back over my life and find the "I wish" instead of "His Will."

When I reflect on my childhood, which by no means was perfect, I do look back on it fondly.  I grew up with my cousins and grandparents constantly.  My cousins were more like my siblings.  At times, we lived only a few houses away from each other and of course, every holiday and special event was always spent together.  I wanted the same for my children, but being married to a man in the Military, special events and holidays were often spent alone or on rare occasions spent with friends.  Birthdays, graduations, weddings, the birth of children, and even funerals were replaced with cards and photographs.  Cousins seemed more like strangers, and to be honest, I have often felt robbed because it seemed like my life was not spent as I had imagined.

But then the Lord showed me what Paul had lost; and compared to what he had gained, the loss was no longer important to him.  Instead, he put his past behind him.  He forgot about it and kept his focus on Jesus Christ and what all he had gained!

Looking back on my life, I realize that I may not have been where I wanted to be, but I have been exactly where God wanted me to be.

By being where God wanted me to be, I learned of my need of Salvation and my need for a Saviour.

From now on, should I ever look back, I won't look back in regret, I will look back with gratefulness.

I haven't been robbed of anything...

    I've been richly rewarded with everything...

        In Jesus Christ...!

            But that's just me!