Philippians 3:13-14, ESV
Brothers, 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 of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There are a lot of letters, also known as epistles, in the Bible.
The letters of the New Testament are like the advice, and encouragement that an experienced mentor would offer. Philippians is a letter that Paul wrote to his friends in the church at Philippi. In chapter three, Paul has been saying that for him, nothing is more important than his relationship with Christ. It is his greatest desire that the power of Christ will continue to work and grow in his life, making him more and more like Christ. Paul recognizes that he still has a long way to go, as we all do, but he has some encouraging advice on how to keep going.
Don't look back at the multitude of failures in your life. If you're looking back while trying to walk forward, you're just going to keep stumbling. That's why Paul says to forget what lies behind, and focus on what lies ahead -- Jesus!
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus told the disciples, "Surely, I am with you always."
So take heart! Jesus is walking right beside you; to encourage you when you need encouraging, to guide you when you need guiding, to hold you up when you need holding up!
So forget what lies behind, and keep looking forward to the wonderful reward that God has promised you, and keep looking to Jesus, who is there with you right now! Keep on pressing on!
Think about it...
Paul says to "press on toward the goal."
What is your goal in your relationship with Christ?
What is a practical step you can take to actively press on toward that goal?
Take a moment with God
Thank God for forgiving your sins.
Thank God for the eternal rewards He has promised you.
Thank God for the presence of Jesus to help you reach those rewards!
