Press On to the Future

READ

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

THINK

Yesterday, we talked about not getting stuck in the past. Today, Paul encourages us to “strain toward what is ahead.” I often wonder what Paul’s life would have looked like if he had chosen to keep looking back instead of moving forward. Would he have become a great hero of the faith? Would he have fulfilled the calling God had placed on his life? Would the gospel have spread so powerfully to the Gentiles and throughout the world?

Paul had every reason to live in shame and regret. He persecuted Christians, tried to destroy the church, and approved the stoning of Stephen, just to name a few of the terrible things he had done. He could have believed he was disqualified from God's purpose. He could have convinced himself that he was not worthy of being used by God. He could have quit, but he didn’t. Perhaps that is why his words carry such power when he says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,” and “I press on toward the goal.”

Paul’s past was heavy with sin and painful mistakes, but he made a deliberate choice to leave it behind. Through repentance and the forgiveness available in Christ, he embraced a completely new direction and purpose for his life.

The same can be true for us! Because of the blood of Jesus, we are forgiven, redeemed, and given a new beginning. We can walk confidently into the purpose God has prepared for us as daughters of the King.

No matter what has happened to you or what you have done, choose to press on and strain toward what is ahead, just as Paul did. After becoming a believer, Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and faced countless hardships, but he never gave up. He kept moving forward because he knew God had called him to a purpose.

ACT

Ask yourself: What is holding me back today? What do I need to surrender to God so I can move forward? What pain, regret, fear, or disappointment am I still carrying? Take some time to write those things down and bring them before Jesus. Invite Him to meet you there.