PROGRESS
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT)
Spiritual renewal is an ongoing process in life completed only in the presence of Jesus. Paul shares with us in Philippians that he hadn’t been perfected, but rather kept running the race set before him. If you’ve ever run a race either as an adult or a child, you get that it can be exhausting. I’m sure that if I asked, you’d agree that resting before a race is necessary. But during the race, you pace yourself, you stay hydrated, and look ahead to your destination. This is certainly what renewal is like for us. We allow our prayer time to rest us, His Word to sustain us and hydrate our dry and weary bones. We stay in step with the Spirit and look ahead to where we’re going. In our journey, we need to keep our eyes on God, even though tough times can set us back and even discourage us. I believe that as God begins and continues the process of renewing us, the parallels with running a race are important to remember.
Who is guiding us to focus more on what’s ahead instead of the lost progress of the past? The great news of the past is that it lays a path that we may follow forward if we choose. No race is run perfectly; it comes with highs and lows. God wastes nothing. He is creating a more forward-focused runner, a more conditioned runner and a purpose-driven runner—one who develops spiritual muscle memory that leads us to Jesus.
Always keep in mind why we run the race and where the race ends. The prize isn’t some earthly trophy that just gathers dust; it’s an eternal prize that will outlast the test of time. A step towards God is the beginning of spiritual renewal, and God will honor that. Two steps back and three steps forward is progress, and progress is what keeps you on track to the end of the race.
APPLICATION: PRAY – READ – RUN – REST – REPEAT!
PRAYER: Lord, life is so draining at times. The race seems long. Renew me so I can finish this race in a way that’s pleasing to You. Remind me why I run this race of life, for the heavenly prize that awaits. Eternity with You, Abba. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?