“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

Where, oh where, does the next clue lie?

Not down low or way up high

Not on the ground or up in the sky.

Look in the place where your clothes get dry.

That was one of a dozen or clues so that led my grandchildren on a scavenger hunt to find the prizes I’d hidden for them. They puzzled the meaning for a moment, then 6-yr-old Lyam shouted, “The clothes dryer!” There they found a small prize – and another riddle. Which led to yet another. The prizes got successively bigger. I could see the mounting excitement dancing in their eyes as they worked out each clue. They began to sense that whatever lay hidden at the end of the game would be the biggest prize of all. And they were right. When they reached the ultimate destination, they found a pile of Christmas gifts.

Even though they’re a bit older now, the kids ask for a scavenger hunt like that every year. It’s not just the prizes and gifts they want; it’s the adventure of taking each step, of solving each clue, and the rising excitement that leads them to the final reward.

Some might say our walk with Jesus is like that scavenger hunt. Every season of our lives presents new challenges, new tests for our faith. As we read God’s Word, we uncover the answers that help us overcome. Every prayer draws us closer to our Savior. With every success we see more of God’s grace. Each day is richer than the last as our relationship with Jesus deepens and our faith grows stronger. And every step forward brings us closer to the ultimate reward – eternal life with Him.