Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining on to what is ahead: I press towards the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
The English definition Press: to move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force. However the Greek word used in this scripture is more like to pursue. It falls under the word which means to follow. The picture given in the race analogy in my thinking it means to “stay on the heels of”–follow closely to Jesus as He leads us. I am not a runner. I admit it. But God has put it in my heart “both to will and to do His will”, therefore I choose to pursue Him and His ways the best I can. Paul’s life was anything but easy. Reading through just the physical hardships, sufferings and persecution he endured is enough to make me tired! Add on the spiritual responsibilities he also carried as he discipled others, helped them establish and grow churches and just simply fulfill His assignment stirs and convicts my heart indeed.
However, I am not called to his walk. I am called to my own. Our Life Group last night discussed what are the things that stir our affections for Christ. What is it that we can do to keep our affections on Him and not let them get scattered to the world? One of our sweet sisters mentioned how when her brother and his wife shared Jesus with her for the first time she felt their passion for Him. We, too, can influence others by our passion for Him. The blessing of pursuing Him is getting to know Him. To receive His love, grace and mercy and as we do–we also get the opportunity to share Him with others. Let us not grow weary in well doing. Let us not decide that we know enough, care enough or love enough put let us press on to the fullness of Him until we finish our race. This scripture was my husband’s life verse and he truly ran his race until he could run no more. As a tribute to him on this Valentine’s Day I encourage us all to get our second, third or fortieth wind and choose to press on toward the HIGH Calling…not settling for anything less. Who knows what we will see, what testimonies we will have as we keep on running our race. Remember He is running that race right with us. We are not alone in the running. Be blessed today with the knowledge of His love for you. It is enough.
Faith Encounters 