As I walked past an outside wall of the office building where I work, I was amazed to see a beautiful flower growing up through a crack between concrete slabs covering the ground. Despite its deprived circumstance, the plant had found a foothold, rooted itself in the dry crevice, and was flourishing. Later, I noticed that an air-conditioning unit located directly above the plant dropped water on it throughout the day. While its surroundings were hostile, the plant received the help it needed from the water above.

Growing in the Christian life can sometimes be difficult, but when we persevere with Christ, barriers are surmountable. Our circumstances may be unfavorable and discouragement may seem like an obstacle. Yet if we press on in our relationship with the Lord, we can flourish like that lone plant. This was the experience of the apostle Paul. Despite the severe hardships and challenges he faced (2 Corinthians 11:23–27), he wouldn’t give up. “I . . . take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me,” he wrote. “ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling” (Philippians 3:12, 14).

Paul realized he could do all things through the Lord who strengthened him (4:13), and so can we as we press on with the help of One who gives us strength.

This is a day that You have made, Father. Thank You that You’ll be near me in whatever I face today.

As I gathered my thoughts and paused for some time to post the daily devotion, despite the fact that it’s already so late in the day and some are already in bed, I wrestled with even posting anything but when I came across this devotion I felt I needed to share it, even at this time in the day. I pray it reaches hearts that need reaching and it uplifts and encourages someone today who maybe had a long exhausting day and paused to read this, to then be uplifted despite what the day had to offer them because although it is reaching the end of the day for some we must always rest our heads on our pillow with confidence that no matter how the day transpired, this is the day that The Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. He is your strength! Press on! 

I pray you’ve had a beautiful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Philippians 3:7-14