Dec 10 – Press Forward!

“One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

A person who regularly stands before God’s presence, making new commitments and fresh dedications, is one who continually moves toward success and the joy of the Lord’s fellowship. The Apostle Paul declared, “I forget those things which are behind; I reach forward to those things which are ahead; I press toward the goal.” That was his personal resolution.

1. Forgetting those things which are behind:

Yes, the things of the past – the lower things, the ungodly things – must be forgotten. Having come out of Sodom, we must not look back toward it. Having left Egypt, we must not long for its cucumbers, garlic, and leeks.

Many people still live in their past. Some are burdened by painful memories that bring sorrow and discouragement. Others keep talking about past experiences, unwilling to move forward into new areas of God’s working. George Bernard Shaw once said, “Memories of the past do not make a man wise; it is his sense of responsibility for the future that does.”

2. Reaching forward to those things which are ahead:

Reach for higher things! Desire new things! The Lord says:

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Yes, the Lord desires to do something new in your life. Step forward to receive those greater and better things. He wants to pour out a new anointing, new strength, and new grace upon you each day. Will you reach for these things?

3. Pressing toward the goal:

Every child of God must have a goal. Without one, our journey lacks purpose and direction. A clear goal fills us with zeal and steadfastness. When the Israelites left Egypt, they had their eyes set firmly on Canaan – their promised land.

We too have a goal. On earth, it is to attain the fullness of Christ; in eternity, it is to enter the heavenly Canaan.

Dear child of God, are you walking toward your goal? Is your life moving forward with purpose? Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and do not turn back.

Verse for further meditation: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)