BETWIXT TWO

"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better; Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you". Philippians 1:23-24 KJV

Have you ever been so exhausted from the never-ending challenges of life that the thought of dying and going to Heaven sounded like a wonderful thing to you? You wished the Lord would immediately call you home to Heaven? Deducing from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we can see that his heart was being heavily tugged toward Heaven while he was a prisoner in Rome. He had already done more than anyone else could claim to have accomplished. He had suffered endlessly for his ministry and felt tired. It would have been very easy for Paul to say, “Lord, I’m tired. I’ve done enough. I’m ready to go to Heaven. Please take me home.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he said he was in a strait betwixt two; he made it very clear that the temptation to leave life and to join the Lord was before him. His choice of words in the verses above made it very evident that a choice was before him: to continue in the flesh so he could completely fulfill his ministry to the saints, or to depart this life and to be with the Lord. After thinking through these options, Paul made the choice to abide in the flesh and to continue his ministry a little longer.

Paul knew that part of his ministry remained unfinished. He said “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” He was pushing toward the finish line. At that time in his life, he was on his last run before the race concluded. Rather than slowing down, taking it easy, or resting, he chose to put forth all his efforts and push harder than ever before so he could finish first, knowing that he had given his very best to the very end of his life. I encourage you to choose life, press forward as you run your race with joy and victory till the end.

Further Scripture Study: 2 Timothy 4:7; Philippians 3:14; 2 Corinth 11:25-28

Declare This: Dear Lord, You have given me a huge assignment for my life, and I’m only getting started in fulfilling what You have asked me to do. Death is not an option right now. Life is my only choice because my world needs me right now in Jesus name Amen.