Paul had many challenges mentally, physically and spiritually. But he never gave up.
He wrote in his letter to the Philippians,
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14
He didn’t have everything figured out yet. He was not perfect. BUT he pressed on.
He did not just say he had not taken hold of it. He said he had not taken hold of it YET.
How could he press on? He was not being pulled down by regrets from the past. He was not focusing on his worn out body or cares of the day. He was not worrying about what tomorrow might bring.
He was focused on where he was going. He had faith that if he kept going, he would take hold of the prize.
He saw God. He saw Jesus. He knew he was moving heavenward. He pressed on.
Today’s writing by Steven Charleston says it well. Press on! Keep going!
Keep going, good friend, keep going.
Whether the path is well worn and familiar or steep and strange, keep going.
Whether your life is a joyous song or a deep lament, keep going.
Do not stop here by the side of the road, to wait alone, but walk on into what tomorrow brings, for tomorrow is a time of change, of prayers answered and miracles seen.
Keep going, for that is where love will find you, as it always has before, out in the world, living the life you have been given, living with all that you have for as long as you have.
Keep going.
And I will go with you.
Steven Charleston
