PRESSING ON
Completing a full marathon is no easy feat. Even for a seasoned runner to finish the race, he needs to choose to keep going despite the pain and exhaustion that may set in along the way.
The apostle Paul recognised that the Christian journey is just like a race. In Philippians 3, he teaches us how we can complete the race:
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- Forget the past – our past mistakes, failures and shortcomings can hinder us from stepping into God’s plan and purpose for our lives. You will not be able to run far if you carry the weight of your past. Choose not to be hindered by your past, and place your confidence in God!
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- Look forward – God has a plan and purpose for your life. Keep your eyes fixed on God’s call for your life and take intentional steps in obedience that will bring you closer to His plans and purposes for you.
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- Press on – unhindered by your past and fixed on what lies before you, make a decision to endure and persevere even when the going gets tough. Press on until you reach the goal!
Instead of letting guilt, shame or feelings of unworthiness discourage us, let’s make a decision to maintain our focus and look forward to the eternal reward that awaits us at the end of our race. As we persevere, God will be there to teach, direct and equip us every step of the way – may the only time that we look back be to see how far we have come!
Reflect:
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- Take a moment to list down areas in your life that are hindering you from moving forward (e.g. past guilt, wrong habits). What are some practical steps you can take to leave those areas behind?
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- When the going gets tough, one simple way to persevere is to look back and remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Celebrate the small victories, acknowledging that God is continuously working in you.
Prayer:
Dear God, I thank You that You have a purpose and plan for my life. Today, I commit to leave the past behind, to look ahead and run the race You have called me to. Help me to fix my eyes on You and trust that You will help me to accomplish all that You have planned for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Read:
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.