Lenten Reader | Day 4

March 7th, 2025

Press On

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:10-14

It is good to have goals. In order for a goal to be achieved, we must first make a plan that will get us to what is needed to achieve the goal. We think of what we need and what it will take to reach it. We get all excited for the end results. This is how I feel about my goal of being closer to Jesus. I have my daily goals of spending more time in the Bible and doing things to draw me closer to Him. This Scripture really makes me think of how I can achieve my goal by pressing on and doing the things needed for my plan.

The ultimate aim is to know Christ fully. We do this by pressing on, by studying the Scriptures, and by spending time in prayer with God. Press on with daily commitment to pursue Christ. To continue to grow, learn and seek to align our lives for the purpose of Christ. Even during spiritual hardships and struggles, keep that goal in mind and press on for the ultimate prize. The trials in our lives are meant to bring us closer to Christ. We need to lean on the Lord during these times. Always keep the faith and remember God is beside you and guiding you.

Scripture reminds us to not look at what is behind and keep moving forward. Paul's teaching explains not to look back in the past but to focus on what we have in the present and to use this to press on and to obtain our goals for the future. Do it by living for Christ and learning by his guidance. We need to remember the past is the past and to not let it define us. Do not let our past mistakes limit us in our spiritual journey. Keep focused on our goals and press on to the ultimate goal of eternal life with Christ.

Carol Evans