Encouragement

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“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.”—Philippians 3:13-14

Resolution 1: I have not apprehended. If Paul could not claim such, why should I declare this for myself?

Resolution 2: Forget what is behind. This not only talks of failures but also of victories, for either can derail us from what we are to focus on, as stated in the next resolution. The Lord grants us this liberty to forget. To do less is arrogance concerning failures for hanging onto such is to punish ourselves, while He has forgiven us, or exalt our victories for they pale in the light of Jesus’ victory in His death and resurrection. To do as He admonishes here we remove ourselves from being swallowed by self-pity and loathing as well as resting on our spiritual laurels. The only choice left is to be about the Father’s business.

Resolution 3: Press toward the goal, the prize of the Lord’s upward call. To forget the past I need a future to focus on and move toward. To leave something I must pursue the higher alternative. The second cannot happen without the third.

He calls, I heed. He beckons; I come, leaving all my failures and successes behind. There is nothing in my hands, as there is nothing in my heart, but Him alone. His name is my heart’s fire and resolve. His love is my encouragement and exhortation. I find that this cited verse is my license to leave behind my baggage, a weight I am meant to lay aside, that I may run to Him.

Go to Him, and find your joy.

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