Pressing Toward the Goal

Phil. 3:13-14

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

We made it into the New Year - 2023.  To God be the Glory!!  We didn't make it on our own but by the grace of God that He allowed us to see a new year.  I don't know about you but I am grateful.  

We ended 2022 with this scripture and highlighted the fact that we are "forgetting those things which are behind us".  We are beginning this New Year highlighting that we are "reaching forward to those things which are ahead."  God has so much ahead of us.  He spoke to me concerning new beginnings, "old things are passed away, all things become new." (2 Cor. 5:17)  This year," I am going to put the past behind me, and press toward the things that God has planned for me.  He has a purpose for this year and that is the goal to which I want to press toward. 

The Life Application Bible states that "Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him.  This goal took all of Paul's energies.  This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal - knowing Christ.  With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What is holding you back?"  

We are not called to be perfect but to mature.  We must press on in the Holy Spirit's power so that Christ can reveal to us the discrepancies between what and who we are and what and who we are to be.  We must act on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and those He has placed in places of authority over our lives.  We have so much to learn.  We must pursue Christlikeness and not copy the world. (Life Application Bible)

So, let us seek God and His plan for our lives this year.  Let us hear His voice and follow His directions. We can let go of the past (any guilt, shame, and condemnation) and look forward to what God will help us become in this year.  

Happy New Year!! Be blessed.