I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling • Deshen Daily

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 KJV)

Paul relentlessly continued to press forward in his life and ministry despite the many challenges and past spiritual achievements. In the prior verse, he told the Philippians, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13 KJV).

However, pressing forward in life can be challenging when a robe about our foot holds us back. Consider the apostle Paul for a moment. He wrote the book of Philippians while in prison after all the ministry accomplishments we read about in Acts. Despite these glorious achievements by the Spirit of the Lord, He did not allow these past victories to keep him from pressing further into God.

Similar to past victories, our past failures can be a significant hindrance that prevents us from moving forward in life. Our failures in any area in life could be one of the worst enemies of the bright future God has reserved for us, partly because we are often severely judgmental of ourselves. For example, some people will not forgive themselves for a prior sin or blunder though God has already forgiven them.

Our past victories or failures should not prevent us from pressing toward the mark of the prize of God’s high calling for us.

Meditate

What are the two major obstacles that can prevent us from pressing forward, as discussed above? Which of these hindrances applies to you?

Apply the Word

Furthermore, do not allow that prior sin, mistake, or blunder to prevent you from moving forward with God. If you are reading this devotional and you have stopped doing what God wanted because of a prior mistake you did not recover from, this is God’s Word for you to move forward! There is more with God, so keep pressing forward despite your past victories.