To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Catholic Men’s Devotionals, Week 4 – Then and Now

Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14

We tend to rewrite our own histories. We often look back on our lives with nostalgia, pining after what we remember as happier days — the simpler times before our mistakes and missteps, our failures and falls from grace. We sometimes wish we could have a “do-over,” going back and living our lives knowing what we know now. That kind of regret can kill our spirits and keep us from moving forward in our journeys as Catholic men.

Saint Paul certainly could have dwelt on the past. He was a highly educated leader in his day, an up-and-coming Pharisee who was moving in all the right circles. Yet an encounter with the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus changed everything for him. After that, he faced persecution, physical pain, loneliness, and depression. But he also experienced the joy of seeing many souls won for Christ, the strengthening of his faith through fiery trials, ecstatic visions of heaven, and deep and lasting friendships with other believers. Rather than cling to his former safe and sinful life, he pressed on, longing with all his heart to finish the race and receive the prize of Christ.

God will do the same with us, if we let him. He wants to mold men who will build his Church and lead it into eternity. He wants men who will be strong husbands and fathers, faithful brothers, and solid kingdom servants. For every moment we spend on this earth, God offers us opportunities to grow and shape the world through faithful lives. Yes, we fail, and yes, we have regrets; but our God is powerful enough and loving enough to remake our lives in the image of his Son.

In our journey to heaven we Catholic men have a lot to face — and a lot to gain. This week we will consider these points:

1.         We cannot go back, but we can have a fresh start.

Remember: “If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation: The old has passed away, behold the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). If we have surrendered our lives to Christ and confessed our sins, those past mistakes are truly gone. We don’t have to dwell on them anymore. What lies ahead is better than anything that has come before. Heaven will be glorious!

2.         The past, no matter how bad, is worked out for the good for those who believe.

As Romans 8:28 says, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” There is no amount of failure that God cannot turn to success for those who answer his call. God’s sovereign purpose for our lives and his Church will prevail in the end.

3.         God has wonderful plans for us.

Remember: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). God wants to prosper us spiritually and place us on a path to a hopeful future with him.

4.         We must carry out our God-given tasks and our calling without worry.

Paul reminded Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tm 4:12). God will equip us also for our role in his Church. All we need to do is be faithful to our calling in Christ.

5.         We know the end of the story — it all works out.

“And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new’” (Rv 21:5a). That same salvation story works itself out in our daily lives. Because of Christ, we can find newness in each day, forgiveness, peace, and a fresh start.

A Call to Action

No matter what you are facing today — family problems, sinful struggles, regrets, or unfulfilled dreams — God can and will bring good out of it all. God can change our hearts, renew our lives, and guide us as we live out our calling as Catholic men. This week meditate on the fact that, in Christ, you are a new creation. This is not just some catchy phrase. It is an eternal truth that is yours because you are part of the Body of Christ. Let every word you speak and every action you carry out reflect the trust, the peace, and the love that come from an intimate relationship with our Lord. See your Christian living in terms of becoming all that God is calling you to be.

There are many men out there experiencing the same struggles that we face. We are called to share the hope we have in Christ. We need to pass along the incredible truth that God works miracles in the most stubborn, sinful, and struggling souls, including ours. Let us be willing to witness with our lives to others, to walk the road to Christ with those who need a Savior, and to remind those who have forgotten their faith what being a Catholic man is all about.

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE