I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 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 3:12-14, NLT
Lord, in this passage, so familiar, I still find my heart quicken at the promise of looking forward to what is ahead. I often fail to forget the past. Both the things of which I feel proud and the things of which I feel ashamed. Paul left it all behind and I want to do that too. I’m grateful that he indicates that this is an ongoing process in his faith. Thank you for his example of pressing forward to receive the heavenly prize. On days when I feel stuck or out of sync with the spiritual power in life, I pray that I will continue to persevere through those valleys! Help me to hear the call of Jesus Christ and help me to help others to hear it as well! Amen!
This familiar passage is one that stays with us. What phrase really reaches out to you today?
Your likes, comments, shares, and prayers are welcome. God bless your day.
John, what do you think Paul was forgetting here from the past? His actions pre-conversion? I've struggled with this passage as there are things I remember from my past that give me hope. Some things bring shame and guilt. And recently, as I've spent time on the street it's been too easy to revisit those days of my youth. Thoughts?