“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” - Philippians 3:14
The words “press on” show similarity to someone who runs in a race. During the race, the athlete is beyond exhausted. Nevertheless, athletes press on because they know the value of crossing the finish line.
Athletes compete in a physical race, but everyone runs the race of life. The race of life is jam-packed with hurdles to jump over; emotional pain, sickness, job loss or grief. We have to press on and persevere through the difficulties.
I recall personal hurdles as the Lord affirms a truth to me: “Cynthia, you are where you are today because you pressed in. My beloved, you pressed in to my presence. You connected with me when life felt heavy and unbearable. You never gave up. Something shifted and you understand the value of moving forward.”
Pressing in to God’s presence equips you to press on in the race of life. It’s all connected. I called on God’s name when I was hurting and worked hard during emotional challenges. I felt like giving up and God sustained me. I made a choice to move forward and pressed on to the prize in the personal race of life.
Moving past the past and connecting to the Lord’s presence strengthened my faith to take risks and go for my dreams. Weigh a “painful past” and “hope for a future” on the balancing scale of life, and the hope for a future wins every time.
Why does it win? Technically, you have no control over your past. It’s done. It’s finished.
On the flip side, a hope for a future is a blank canvas of exploration. Create, imagine, and have a vision. Make your life miraculous.
Even if it takes years, press on in the race of life because you never know what’s on the other side of the finish line. Pressing on is the reason I can perform at various places, be a guest on the radio, and celebrate my Bachelor of Science degree. There’s more to my finish line because I’m only twenty-six!
Still, the best prize I could ever receive is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and connecting with the Lord fills my heart with the promise of Philippians 3:14.
You’re made with purpose. Are you going to press on to find out or give up?
If I quit, then I would never experience the new things God is doing in my life. If I quit, then I would never would enjoy all of the blessings that require God’s grace and dependence. I give Him the glory.
Press in to God’s presence and press on in the race of life. Defeat hurdles mighty warriors, so don’t give up. Place your hope in God and find hope in your future.
