12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

Dear God, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the seeds we try to plant in our children’s lives and the hopes that we have that they will grow into something when they grow up. I remember reading the parable Jesus told of the seed that fell in the different types of soil and rock when my children were young and praying that the seeds my wife and I were planting would find deep, rich soil. Lately, as my children are both living far from me now and my current influence on their lives is minimal, my prayers for them usually include you helping those seeds that were planted long ago to break through any rock or thorns Satan is trying to put into their lives so that they might be your people.

I mention this in relation to this verse because it is a seed that was planted in me 30+ years ago. Fellowship of Christian Athletes has this as their theme verse one year when I was in high school, and every time I come across it I am taken back to those moments and even the feelings I would have at the time. I don’t necessarily walk around now in hard times saying, “I need to press on…” but I do get a grounding in my faith every time see it.

Father, thank you for the seeds you have planted and continue to plant in my life. Please help them to find good soil and avoid the vines, thorns, weeds, and rocks that Satan tries to use in my life. And I pray for the seeds you have planted and continue to plant in my wife’s and children’s lives. Help all of us press on towards the goal of loving you, worshipping you, and doing what we can to be your ambassadors.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen