Pressing On - Finding Strength in Christ

Life's journey is rarely smooth sailing. We often find ourselves navigating rough waters, especially when surrounded by negativity or weighed down by the hurtful actions of others. In these moments, it's easy to lose sight of our purpose and feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face.

The Apostle Paul, a man who faced numerous trials and tribulations, understood this struggle intimately. Yet, he found the strength to press on, not by focusing on his circumstances or the behavior of those around him, but by keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Christ.

In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul shares his secret to perseverance:

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Paul's words remind us of the importance of forward focus. Rather than dwelling on past hurts or getting caught up in present gossip and negativity, we're called to press on toward the goal - our upward call in Christ Jesus.

This forward momentum is further emphasized in Philippians 1:27:

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."

Here, Paul encourages us to let our conduct reflect Christ's light, regardless of our circumstances or the behavior of those around us. By focusing on living out the gospel, we can stand firm in unity with fellow believers, striving together in faith.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we tap into a strength that goes beyond our own capabilities. We're no longer at the mercy of others' opinions or actions. Instead, we're empowered by Christ to rise above the noise of gossip and negativity, pressing on toward our higher calling.

Remember, in Romans 8:37, we're assured that "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." This includes conquering the temptation to engage in or be affected by gossip, choosing instead to be beacons of Christ's love and light in our communities.

Call to Action: This week, commit to "pressing on" in your faith journey. Start by identifying areas where you've felt held back by others' actions or words. Write these down, then symbolically "leave them behind" by tearing up the paper. Next, set three specific goals that align with your "upward call in Christ Jesus." 

These could be spiritual growth objectives, ways to serve others, or steps to share God's love in your community. Each day, spend time in prayer, asking God for the strength to press on toward these goals. 

Keep Philippians 3:13-14 as your mantra, reminding yourself to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Share your journey of "pressing on" with a trusted friend or small group, encouraging each other in your walk with Christ.