“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
We face many challenges in life. The weight of responsibility, the pressure to perform, and the demands of daily living can make it feel like we're constantly running a race. But it's not a sprint. It's a marathon of perseverance, focus, and faith. In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul provides a powerful example of how to press forward amid challenges and trials. This isn't just about running aimlessly but about running with purpose toward a goal—a goal that is found in Christ.
Like Paul, we are all running a race, but this race is not for a temporary prize. It is for the eternal reward of knowing Christ and being made more like Him. But how do we press on in the race when the road is difficult when we feel like giving up?
Forget What Lies Behind
Paul writes, "Forgetting those things which are behind…" We must first let go of the past to run the race with perseverance. This doesn't mean erasing our memories or denying the lessons we've learned, but it does mean choosing not to let past mistakes, regrets, or even past successes hold us back.
We often carry the weight of past failures. Whether it's mistakes in relationships, poor career decisions, or sins that have dragged us down, we can get stuck in the past. But Paul reminds us that when we come to Christ, the old is gone, and the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
If God has forgiven us, we must forgive ourselves and press on. Holding on to guilt or shame only slows us down in the race. Let go of the past and move forward in the freedom Christ has given you.
On the other hand, sometimes we can get stuck in the glory of past victories. We may have had seasons of success or spiritual growth where we felt on fire for God. While celebrating these victories is important, we cannot live in yesterday's accomplishments. God has more for us today. Press on toward the future He has for you.
Reach for What Lies Ahead
Running the race with perseverance means forgetting the past and reaching toward what lies ahead. The race is not passive. It's active. It requires focus and determination.
What is the prize that Paul is striving toward? It's the "high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The "prize" is not earthly success or temporary rewards. It's the eternal reward of knowing Christ more fully, becoming more like Him, and one day hearing Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
What is God calling you to today? It might be in your family, where He's asking you to be a godly spouse and parent. It could be at work, where He wants you to lead with integrity and reflect His character. It could be in your personal walk with Him, where He's inviting you to deeper intimacy and faithfulness. Whatever it is, don't let distractions keep you from pursuing God's call. Reach for what lies ahead, with your eyes fixed firmly on the prize.
Press Toward the Prize
The word "press" here means to pursue, strive, and even fight with effort and determination. Running the race requires not just desire but deliberate action and hard work. It's about pressing on with purpose, even when the road gets tough.
There will be times in life when the race feels difficult, when the obstacles seem overwhelming, and when the end goal feels far away. However, Paul's example reminds us that perseverance is key. We must continue pressing toward the goal, no matter the difficulties.
Jesus is the goal of our race and the One who enables us to run. As we keep our eyes on Him, He strengthens us to keep pressing forward.
Perseverance Is Key
The Christian life is a race of endurance. It's not about a quick burst of energy but steady, consistent progress. This means that we must embrace perseverance. In the face of setbacks, we need to keep going. The Bible promises that God will give us strength when we feel weak.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31
When you feel like giving up, remember that God is your strength. He is with you in the race and will renew your strength. You can keep running with Him, even when the journey feels long.
- Let Go of the Past:
If you're holding onto past failures or even past successes, take a moment to release them to God. Ask Him to help you forget what lies behind you and press forward to what He has ahead.
- Reach for the High Calling:
What is God calling you to today? Whether it's in your relationships, your work, or your personal walk with Him, take the next step in obedience. Press forward with purpose and determination.
- Fix Your Eyes on Jesus:
As you run the race, remember that the goal is not success in this world—it's Christ. Focus your eyes on Him, and let Him be your strength and guide.
The Christian life is a race, and the finish line is Christ. Keep pressing forward, forgetting what lies behind, and reaching toward the prize. With perseverance, focus, and Jesus as your strength, you will finish the race strong. Keep running, and the prize will be worth it!