Read Philippians 3:10–14
‘But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.’ (vv13b–14)
Pressing on and going all out for God is an admirable desire, yet it is important to be realistic about the challenges ahead and our own frailties.
For our final message of the year, we want to encourage you to keep pressing on ‘every day with Jesus’.
To help here, our final encouragement comes from the apostle Paul, who knew what it was to struggle, suffer and strive for Christ (2 Cor. 11:16–33).
In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul is realistic about his progress.
Having expressed his desire to know Christ intimately, both in His power and suffering (v10), Paul is realistic enough to state, ‘Not that I have already obtained all this or arrived at my goal’ (v12a).
Yet this did not deter him – in fact more the opposite. He goes on to say, ‘…but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me’ (v12b).
Then, referring to whatever has gone on in the past, good or bad, he acknowledges that his focus needs to be on ‘straining towards what is ahead… [pressing] on towards the goal to win the prize for which God [had] called [him] heavenwards in Christ Jesus’ (vv13–14).
As we enter a new year, whatever has gone on before, good or bad, we can thank God for the good things, the successes, His blessings – yet we can also learn from the challenging things.
Perhaps some things we need to repent of, whereas other things were outside of our control. The important thing now for all of us is to ‘press on in Christ Jesus’, seeking to live every day for Him.
We hope in the coming year, should the Lord tarry, that we will be able to encourage all of us to press on – to strive for that goal, that prize, as we seek to fulfil our calling in Christ.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Thank You, Lord, that You have sustained me throughout this year. May You strengthen me to “press on” towards my heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.’
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Reflect on the past year, good and bad. Give it to the Lord – use it to motivate you for the coming year.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Gen. 15:1; 2 Cor. 5:9; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4
