Pressing on Toward the Goal
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13
I found myself yesterday thinking too much about tomorrow’s events rather than thinking about the here and now. Do you ever find yourself focused more on the future or the past rather than today? The Lord has put it on my heart to live each moment to the fullest, which mean enjoying the present and being prepared to minister to someone that I might overlook if I was focusing on tomorrow. Pressing on toward the goal requires we live with our thoughts in the present following the Spirit.
The apostle Paul continued pressing on to his last breath. His pressing on meant he kept doing he Lord’s will ministering to the early churches through visiting them and writing letters them. Paul took every opportunity to minister to everyone, including the guards in the prison where he spent his final years. We are to press on in the ministry God has called for us, and never give up no matter what the outcome or opposition. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) This verse describes what it means to press on, not giving up.
What motivates us to press on when opposition, fear, and disappointment seems to surround us. Pressing on can exhaust us both physically, mentally, and emotionally, yet we are called to press on. Pressing on falls into the category of endurance or perseverance. Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. (Colossians 1:11-12) This verse tells us we are strengthened from the Lord’s glorious might and we are motivated by a thankful heart for our inheritance in the kingdom of light. A thankful heart to the Lord is a heart filled with God’s love, and his love motivates us to bring Christ to everyone especially lost souls.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Christ promises us life to the full and this is a life that presses on. I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12) Paul pressed on fulfilling the ministry the Lord called for him and Paul lived life to the full in Christ.
Today press on doing whatever the Spirit leads you and experience life to the full in Christ. Whenever we minister and help someone we feel life to the full and we are closer the Lord. If we press on thinking about our eternal goal, it fills us with thankfulness and hope. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. (Romans 12:12) Press on today in the Lord’s strength and live with hope through your trials and tribulations.
Prayer: Lord, help me to press on in serving you and to always live with a heart filled with hope in Christ. Fill me with peace and joy knowing I am pressing on to the heavenly goal. Let people see this peace and joy in this troubled world, and let them know it in comes from knowing I have eternal life. In Jesus name, Amen