Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
 PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2006
(Daily readings: Ps 37; Hab 3:1-18; Phil 3:12-21; JN 17:1-8)

DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED
by: Georgeanne Falstrom

Scripture: "If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; although he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."...PS 37:23-24

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."...Phil 3:12

I was born directionally challenged! My head tells me to go one way and my feet go another. As a result, I’ve suffered a few broken bones and have found myself in places far away from where I intended to be. It has been very frustrating, but the bones have all healed and so far I’ve safely been able to find my way back to where I was supposed to be.

Sometimes even my spiritual walk becomes directionally challenged. How blessed I am to be assured that when I stumble, the Lord will uphold me. Jesus died on the cross for my sins and because of him, I am offered forgiveness when I take the wrong path. I am not perfect, but he is. Whatever righteousness I have gained, has come through faith in Christ and grace, not from my own direction or lack of it. Only he can heal my confusion and bring me peace.

As Paul acknowledges in the Philippian passage, I haven’t yet reached the goal for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. But because of his patience with me, understanding of my human failing, and loving forgiveness, I can continue to press on toward the goal in confidence that all will eventually be made clear to me.

During this season of Lent, I am given new inspiration to follow Christ’s example and to seek more of his power to transform my brokeness to become more like him. By focusing on his life, his death and his resurrection I am assured that he can bring all of my challenges under his control. After all he now sits at the right hand of God, the creator of all things.


Prayer: Thank you Lord, for sending your son to heal us through his love and forgiveness. Help us to become more like him. Help us to press on to that goal thru Christ who takes hold of us when we are broken and lose our way. Lift us up when we stumble and keep our direction focused on the meaning of the Cross.