I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. - Philippians 3:14 –15 (ESV)

The story of the Bible is the one grand story of our creation, fall, redemption, and glory. It is a story filled with unexpected turns. It reveals the dark depths of humanity and the glorious heights of God's character. It covers from the very beginning to the very end of everything.

Often it is hard for us to locate our place in that story. We aren't sure where we are. We aren't sure what part we are to play. We see the grand movements of the past and we hope in the grand conclusions we await. We are left here in what feels at times like the doldrums of the redemptive storyline.

This week Paul starts to wrap up the letter to the Philippians. While doing so he gives us instruction on how we should live with joy in the 'in-between'. These are important and relevant encouragements as we seek to run the race ahead. Will you take a few minutes before Sunday to read through Philippians 3 . What is Paul pointing us toward? How does this state of 'in-between-ness' both motivate and challenge us to move forward?