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“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

There is something worth pressing on to receive. Therefore, we press on, but because Jesus Christ took hold of us, we go not alone. We are held!

The question is, “How do we apply this as widows?” Paul’s quote embodies purpose, focus and intention. I clearly see a difference between my ability to be purposeful, focused and intentional as a new widow to the present. Sometimes I wonder if we aren’t hard on ourselves, expecting more than is appropriate for the point we occupy in our journey. I found it hard to accept my limited abilities to press on when I started down this road as a widow. Now that I have years behind me, I recognize there was a transition which gradually occurred, enabling me to better “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 (NIV).

Pressing on during early grief:

As I have shared in past devotionals, I felt disoriented in a world absent of my husband. We had so many years of partnering that I did feel like an amputee, with my better half gone. It was like I was in a Funhouse, a maze of mirrors and no clear path. At this juncture, I wanted to be purposeful in pursuing my God but my own mind didn’t seem to cooperate! Even prayer or a devotional reading challenged me. My mind wandered. I could be as purposeful and intentional as I wanted to be, but focus sabotaged many efforts. At this point, just holding onto God was my pressing on. My prayers were short and too often desperate. “Lord, please help me to get through this next task.” “God, don’t let me cry as I talk with this business person.” “Hold me God!”

Countless times, while emotionally exhausted, tear-streaked, sleep-deprived, and with focus and memory an issue, God held and moved me through the maze to accomplish needed tasks. I am reminded that Christ asked the weary and burdened to come to Him, take on His yoke and learn from Him. (Mt. 11:28,29) On review, to be yoked with Christ and experience His ever gentle navigation, was also pressing on.

While spiritually yoked with Almighty God, there can be no doubt Who is doing the heavy lifting and setting the course! While our needs are great, our loving God is greater!

Pressing on as my journey continues:

Thankfully, the abilities to be purposeful, focused and intentional have improved immeasurably–albeit gradually. I take the lessons of remaining yoked with Christ into this new season. My pressing on here is more rigorous, different but more like before my husband died. I am involved in more intensive bible study and loving it. My prayer life is more thankful, joyful and full. I desire to know Christ better and better.

We are purposed to be forgiven and forgive, receive grace and extend grace, celebrate God’s love and share His love. We are here to magnify–by word, by action, by attitude and intent–the King of Glory to those around us. Lord, guide us in this.In Christ’s Name.