Press On!
I want to know Christ -- yes, to know the power of His resurrection, and to participate in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
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. Phil 3:10-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
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. Phil 3:10-14
Paul, perhaps the greatest of all the apostles in terms of his contribution to spreading the Gospel and writing portions of the Bible, is definitely worth emulating. His passion for God was unquestionable. His desire to accomplish the call God had placed on his life was unparalleled.
He wrote the words in our passage from a prison cell which in itself speaks volumes about his strength of spirit and zeal. Paul was determined not to give up on his goals and destiny.
We can see at least four important things in this passage:
First: Paul had an overriding desire to know Christ. He didn't just want to function in the power of God, but also to suffer for Christ. He knew Jesus suffered in many ways. He wanted to identify with Jesus in the good as well as bad times. May you and I desire to know Christ both in the glory of His power and the pain of His suffering. It is all part of our walk with God.
Second: Paul understood that there was much ahead for him to accomplish: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on . . ."
Paul was acknowledging that there was room for improvement in himself. He had so much more work ahead of him! Resolve to make this acknowledgment for yourself.
Third: Paul made a conscious decision to forget all the accomplishments and failures of the past and to focus on the goal ahead of him. There was no point in living in the past when there was so much more ahead to accomplish! His focus was clear. Have a clear focus this year.
Finally: Paul made a conscious decision to press on toward his God-given goal. He was channeling all his energy into what mattered most to him. Order your steps around your vision.
We are in a New Year and a new decade. Undoubtedly, much has already happened in your life to date. There have been accomplishments and disappointments. There is definitely a lot ahead of you. You have some God-given goals, dreams, and visions to accomplish.
Like Paul, guide yourself with these four principles:
First, have an overriding desire to know Christ and He will empower you to accomplish your goals.
Second: Acknowledge that there is room for improvement in your life and more to be done. This will motivate you to aim higher and accomplish more.
Third: Resolve to forget what is behind. Don't dwell on the past. Determine to look ahead.
Finally, make a conscious decision to press on toward your goals no matter what obstacles you face. With the help of God, you can accomplish it all.
May this year and this decade be one of memorable accomplishments for you because you are determined to press on toward your vision and destiny. Press on!
He wrote the words in our passage from a prison cell which in itself speaks volumes about his strength of spirit and zeal. Paul was determined not to give up on his goals and destiny.
We can see at least four important things in this passage:
First: Paul had an overriding desire to know Christ. He didn't just want to function in the power of God, but also to suffer for Christ. He knew Jesus suffered in many ways. He wanted to identify with Jesus in the good as well as bad times. May you and I desire to know Christ both in the glory of His power and the pain of His suffering. It is all part of our walk with God.
Second: Paul understood that there was much ahead for him to accomplish: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on . . ."
Paul was acknowledging that there was room for improvement in himself. He had so much more work ahead of him! Resolve to make this acknowledgment for yourself.
Third: Paul made a conscious decision to forget all the accomplishments and failures of the past and to focus on the goal ahead of him. There was no point in living in the past when there was so much more ahead to accomplish! His focus was clear. Have a clear focus this year.
Finally: Paul made a conscious decision to press on toward his God-given goal. He was channeling all his energy into what mattered most to him. Order your steps around your vision.
We are in a New Year and a new decade. Undoubtedly, much has already happened in your life to date. There have been accomplishments and disappointments. There is definitely a lot ahead of you. You have some God-given goals, dreams, and visions to accomplish.
Like Paul, guide yourself with these four principles:
First, have an overriding desire to know Christ and He will empower you to accomplish your goals.
Second: Acknowledge that there is room for improvement in your life and more to be done. This will motivate you to aim higher and accomplish more.
Third: Resolve to forget what is behind. Don't dwell on the past. Determine to look ahead.
Finally, make a conscious decision to press on toward your goals no matter what obstacles you face. With the help of God, you can accomplish it all.
May this year and this decade be one of memorable accomplishments for you because you are determined to press on toward your vision and destiny. Press on!
Prayer: Father, I thank you for a brand new year and a brand new decade. With the help of your Spirit, I will press on to accomplish all that you give me the opportunity to do. Please give me the grace, health, anointing, wisdom, favor, and protection I need for the task ahead. I ask this in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen.