“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, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
Blossom was a blonde cocker spaniel who blessed the Smith home for nine wonderful years. She was a huge joy to Bobbie and me. Blossom loved to play ball. She awakened each morning with ball on her mind. If she forgot where she put hers, she knew exactly where Bobbie had hidden a replacement.
When playing ball, Blossom would chase every thrown ball, retrieve it, race back to the thrower, and refuse to give up the ball. Somehow she failed to understand that she had to turn the ball loose for the game to continue. After playing awhile, she usually would take a break. She would retrieve the ball, hold it in her mouth, and lay down.
In our spiritual lives, we are a lot like Blossom. We want to grow and mature, but we don’t seem to understand that we have to let go of the past in order to step into the future. A simple fact of the growth process: We need the exhilaration of daily challenges to enjoy life and vitality. We need the opportunity to do what we do best. We must let go all our past successes and failures in order to achieve God’s best.
Consider Thomas A. Edison’s attitude: “I am not discouraged, because every failure is another step forward.” Don’t focus on the last thrown ball. Remember, it must be thrown again. Don’t look back at your mistakes. Don’t be trapped by those hurt feelings, grievances, and missed opportunities. Forget those last achievements. Today is a new day! One songwriter wrote, “Don’t ever lose sight of your goal.” Look forward to heaven. Concentrate on achieving your purpose in life. Press toward the mark — the goal – “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Father, thank you for calling us in Christ. Strengthen us to take hold of this day’s opportunities. Empower us with your Spirit to never lose sight of our goal, and to press forward faithfully. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and press forward,