In Spite Of: Paul’s Goal

Even while under house arrest, when his next steps were uncertain, Paul pressed on. In spite of his struggles, his chains, and his opposition, he pressed on.

Philippians 3:12-14

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s eye was on the end-on the finish line and he made a conscious decision that he could endure whatever he had to in order to finish strong.

Paul’s goal — my goal — is not to gain money, fame, love, material goods, comfort, entertainment or even peace.

Paul’s goal — my goal — is to forcefully move forward, through the good and the bad times to an eternal life with Jesus.

So today…..In Spite of my:

Pain — I will press on.

Anxiety — I will press on.

Failures — I will press on.

Weakness — I will press on.

Hurt — I will press on.

Anger — I will press on.

Fear — I will press on.

Sadness — I will press on.

Disappointment — I will press on.

Jesus is standing – waiting at the finish line – watching for you to finish strong.

So press on.