Today’s Encouragement is “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.” Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
I Press On –
He previously said, “I have not achieved perfection” (v12). Most of us readily admit that we are not perfect, far from it! In truth, we need a Savior precisely because we are so far from perfect!
Then, “forgetting the past.” We can forget our past (God has already forgiven and forgotten all our past sins, and also our future failures!) We are free of our past! We are free to look forward to the future, to “press on” to the end, and receive the prize!
Pressing on doesn’t imply a leisurely walk in the park. Instead, it’s more like struggling to keep moving forward. Remember the old movies where the safari group inched its way through the jungle, chopping through vines and always alert for pythons and lions? That’s pressing on!
We press on in faith, that the everyday struggles (vines) and occasional battles (snakes and lions) are worth it. We always have the choice, we can either turn back in defeat, lie down and let the vines and lions win, or with God’s strength, we can continue to press on… toward the end, the heavenly prize of eternal life with Christ!
Thank You, Father, that our past is forgotten, and that You give us strength to press on. Following Jesus to the end.
Pressing On
Bob Dylan
Today’s Encouragement 