“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.” (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV)
After having knee replacement surgery in January, 2020, I began the physiotherapy appointments, and quickly realized that I needed to re-learn how to walk. Over the years, my disintegrating knee joint and the resulting pain had caused me to use my hips to move my legs rather than bending the knee. With the new knee implant, I had to unlearn the wrong way of walking, purposefully and intentionally training the muscles and joint to work together again.
This experience has made me consider what it means to leave behind my old, instinctive ways, and to press on to grip the new flexibility and spiritually healthy way of the new life in the Lord Jesus. His saving work for me is perfect, but the Spirit’s sanctifying work in me is not yet perfect, but goes on day by day, just like physio exercises, for the rest of my life. As for me, there is only one option: not to return to my old way of doing things, but to press on to Christian maturity.
The apostle Paul knew that to forge ahead was to do God’s will, not his own. He made the choice of grasping and holding onto the things of God, to become a new creation, made in the image of Christ, with a testimony to share and to win over more for Jesus our Lord. Being willing to press ahead even in suffering, he could share fellowship with Jesus in that, too — looking forward to resurrection and the bright hope of heaven.
As we leave behind the distractions and the old ways of coping, let’s press on together for what God is calling us to. We are running a race, willing every nerve, fibre, and muscle to win our heavenly prize. This high calling is from God’s heart and is worth every ounce of effort!
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” (Luke 9:62 NIV)
Prayer: Dear Lord, now that we have decided to follow You with no turning back, help us as we press forward to hold onto Your high calling. Amen.
Copyright © 2021, by Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission
