Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest
Philippians 3:12
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me"
"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me"
Have you experienced the Grip of God? I have... and it is profound. If you have been there, then you are still there... in His grip. Chambers says we do not choose to work for God but we do so because He has "laid hold of" us. And we do not choose what we are called to do, He does. So... you may know the true call of God if this is the case. A true call is from God, God chosen, God ordained. Not chosen by that person, not decided by that person, but by God.
When someone is truly called — when they are in the grip of God — there is a steadiness about them that does not come from personality or ambition. They do not choose the work; the work chooses them. There is a quiet compulsion, a sense that they must do what God has laid on them, even when it is difficult, unseen, or costly. Their life bends toward obedience, not applause. They do not drift in and out of the work based on mood or convenience; something deeper holds them. Their character is being shaped, their desires purified, their motives humbled. They do not see themselves as superior — only as a sinner saved by grace, entrusted with something they could never have invented for themselves. A true calling produces endurance, humility, and fruit that lasts — because it is God’s grip, not their own effort, that keeps them.
A calling is when God takes hold of your life in such a way that you cannot go back to who you were, and you cannot walk away from what He has given you to do.
We are chosen and we must testify to the truth of God, we are in His grip for that very purpose. Chambers asks, "How many of us are held like that?"
We are to share the Word of God in its undiluted form. We must be faithful to the Word of God and unflinching in its sternness, we are not to water down the Word of God. But we are to remember, we are not special because we are called of God, because we are in His grip does not cause us to be any better than the next person... we are but a sinner saved by grace and grateful for it. But we are called and we must respond to God's request... we want to respond. We need to respond. Always respond with a positive reaction to God, with obedience, trust, and faith.
When God calls us, He gives us confidence and authority to do His work. He teaches us and guides us in the path to follow, or to forge a new path according to His will. We focus on Him and follow Him. We see ourselves as God sees us, as saints, holy and righteous. We walk in the spirit and are led by the Spirit. We walk boldly as with authority. We press onward in Christ's name, sharing God. We stand in the gap, providing a bridge for others to cross over — into truths that have been hidden.
Paul says he does not count himself "arrived" or as if he has"conquered" anything... but he continues to press forward toward the goal—for the prize, of the call of God, which is in Christ Jesus. He is pressing on, going forward, continuing toward his prize... which is Jesus. He is not finished, he is never finished in his devoted calling, but keeps going forward, keeps on going... not stopping for anything because until he reaches his final destination he is not done.
We must never become complacent in our devotion to Christ.
Breath Prayer
You have taken hold of me, Lord...
keep me close to Your heart.
~ Quil
Scripture References
Philippians 3:12 — Paul speaks of Christ laying hold of him — the very language of being gripped.John 10:28–29 — “No one can snatch them out of My hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, 13 — “I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” “I take hold of your right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, 13 — “I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” “I take hold of your right hand.”
Psalm 63:8 — “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.”
Deuteronomy 33:27 — “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Deuteronomy 33:27 — “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Psalm 73:23 — “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand.”
Psalm 121:5–8 — The Lord watches over you, keeps you, guards your coming and going.
Jude 24 — He is able to keep you from falling.
2 Timothy 1:12 — “He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.”
Jeremiah 31:3 — “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you…”
Psalm 139:5 — “You hem me in — behind and before; You lay Your hand upon me.”
Romans 8:28–30 — Called, chosen, held in His purpose.
Ephesians 2:10 — We are His workmanship — created for what He prepared.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 — “He who calls you is faithful; He will do it.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you; My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Psalm 94:18–19 — “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your unfailing love supported me.”
Isaiah 40:29–31 — He gives strength to the weary; He renews those who wait on Him.
Psalm 55:22 — “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.”
John 15:4–5 — Abide in Me, and I in you.
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 16:8 — “I keep my eyes always on the Lord; with Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you; My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Psalm 94:18–19 — “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your unfailing love supported me.”
Isaiah 40:29–31 — He gives strength to the weary; He renews those who wait on Him.
Psalm 55:22 — “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.”
John 15:4–5 — Abide in Me, and I in you.
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 16:8 — “I keep my eyes always on the Lord; with Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
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