Pressing On in Jesus

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading titled, Pressing on in Jesus, was written by Lesley Coe. On a run in the forest, I tried to find a shortcut and went down an unfamiliar path. Wondering if I was lost, I asked a runner coming the other way if I was on the right track.

Yep, he replied confidently. Seeing my doubtful look, he quickly added, Don't worry, I've tried all the wrong routes, but that's okay, it's all part of the run. What an apt description of my spiritual journey. How many times have I strayed from God, given into temptation and been distracted by the things of life? Yet, God has forgiven me each time and helped me to move on, knowing I will certainly stumble again. God knows our tendency to go down the wrong path, but He's always ready to forgive, again and again, if we confess our sins and allow His Spirit to transform us. Paul too knew this was all part of the faith journey.

Fully aware of his sinful past and current weaknesses, he knew he had yet to obtain the Christ-like perfection he desired. But one thing I do, he added in Philippians 3, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on. Stumbling is part of our walk with God. It's through our mistakes that He refines us. His grace enables us to press on as forgiven children.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Philippians 3, verses 12 through 16. 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.

All of us then who are mature should take such a view of things, and if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Let's pray. Thank you, God, for your mercy. Help us to live lives that please you, knowing that your Spirit is working in us to transform us into your Son's likeness. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Stephen Tabor, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.