Press on

The year 1954 changed the lives of 2 athletes in less than 4 minutes. Runners Landy and Barrister competed in a four-mile race and were neck to neck, Landy ahead in the game. Onto the last lap, he glanced to look behind almost the same moment his opponent was able to pass him on the outside. Landy lost by 0.8 seconds and a statue was built in Vancouver with him looking behind while Barrister pressed onward towards the finish line.

Fast forward modern day. We are athletes in a sense, encouraged by Paul to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

If we want to move forward we need focus, something that requires hard work and discipline. Distractions are meant to keep us doing many things except that one thing that is most important, drawing near to God. One ping and we lost focus. Several slides up rob us of the reality and urgency of our tasks. One peek into the past fills us with regrets, doubts, and fear rendering us paralyzed to do the will of God. How many hours do we spend entertaining our distractions while our soul lies in wait for nourishment from the Word? What excuses have we explored to counter the guilt of not having enough time but in reality being irresponsible stewards of God's resources? These are questions I ask myself in the hope that I will wake up more focused and determined to desire what Paul runs after with all his strength. The Prize.

Forgetting what lies behind

Windshields are made bigger than rearview mirrors for obvious safety reasons. We are to fix our eyes on what's in front of us and not on what lies behind. We don't want old obstructions to be lying in our present paths just so we can stumble on them again. Regrets from past sins, poor life choices, and even previous victories can hold us back. If we wallow in them, they can weigh us down. We cannot live in the past and there's nothing we can do to change it. Dwelling on it only delays our progress to being who God called us to be.

When reminded of who you used to be, remember who you are in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When satan brings sins you confessed and repented for, know that God is faithful.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

When you feel unworthy of the calling, remember His mercy.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Straining forward

Straining forward means to stretch oneself forward upon, to reach forth. There is a balance of faith and work as we strain forward. We depend fully on the Lord's power working in us to help us strive while we do our end of the bargain. Knowing God and being like Jesus are the main goals. Another is laboring toward our maturity as believers. Waiting for Jesus' return while in the flesh and on earth can certainly build us up if we allow the Word of God to lead us in how we respond to life. How we can move forward is by imitating those who walk according to the scripture. How we can know them is by reading the Bible and equipping ourselves with the truth.

If we fall short, we come to God and ask for strength to get back up. We don't rely on our power and will (I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing - John 15:5) and definitely, we should not run the race by ourselves (And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near - Hebrews 10:24-25).

While we will be accountable for our own actions one day before our Judge (The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[b] every secret thing, whether good or evil - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), we are not left to our own devices. We are part of one body, with saints reaching forth towards the same Prize. We are not competing against other believers but are partners with them in working and building the Kingdom of God. You are not meant to fight the battles alone. Reach out to other believers with the same heart for Jesus and grow in maturity as you wait for the coming of the Lord.

Press on

Some days we feel like losing, unworthy to run the race set before us. Some days we feel incompetent, with not enough knowledge to share Jesus to a dying world. There will always be something that will hold us back, like Paul we need to forget the former things, strain forward and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, The Prize. Beloved, don't give up. Your race is not over. Today is another opportunity to give your love, devotion, and focus on God. Press on to the only Prize worthy of pursuing.

Scripture

Philippians 3:12-16 ESV

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 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 for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Challenge

1. What are the things in your past that need to be surrendered to God?

2. What steps do you need to take to minimize/avoid distractions in your quiet time?

In grace & mercy