Philippians 3:13-14 - Press On

Scripture

Philippians 3:13-14 ...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.

Observation

Sometimes it can be so hard to press forward. The mountain in front of you seems so big and the road so rough each step you take is a miracle from heaven.  Your mind replays condemning thoughts about why you haven't gotten farther. Certainly when people look at you, they don't see success in Christ, but failure.

I love that Paul used the word press. Oh this word is filled with so much life. The word press means to act upon or steadily apply force; to compress or squeeze, as to alter shape or size (Dictionary.com).

But how can we press forward if we are constantly looking behind?  There is a great scripture in Isaiah 43:18 that say's "Do not call to mind the former things or ponder things of the past. " Why would God tell us to stop looking back?  Because you can't walk forward, turning your head back, without falling flat on your face. Moreover, you can't press forward if your carrying the baggage of the past.  We are a new creation in Christ, each day we put on the new self that is in the likeness of God, created in all righteousness, holiness, and truth (Ephesians 4:22-24).

When you turn your eyes on Jesus instead of past circumstances, God will use the pressures of life to press you forward into life, life and more life.  Just makes you want to shout Hallelujah!

Application

Don't get worried when it seems like you are giving it all you got, but only taking baby steps.  Your spiritual muscles are being strengthened. The prize at the end is for those we continue to press forward, not for those who go the farthest or the fastest.

Prayer

Father, those You call, You equip.  You walk beside us, holding us by the hand and watching over each step (Isaiah 42:6). I cast my cares of the past and anxieties of the future at your feet (1 Peter 5:7).  I trust You and believe in Your goodness and faithfulness.  Please continue to perfect Your love in me so that I do not walk in fear, but in power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  I choose the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus; through Your strength help me press on.