“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But 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: 13-14
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will award me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
General Reflections:
To press on is to “move forward regardless of the obstacles and setbacks and take possession of a goal and future”. As you keep pressing forward, it is only a matter of time before you see how each setback eventually plays into God’s master plan for your life. Therefore whatever you may be confronted with today, be assured that through God, who is faithful, you can overcome. Remember that every time of challenge is only a phase of life and if dealt with properly will help you grow personally and spiritually.
We may be hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; because we have Jesus always in our side.
Pressing on also means to make progress; persevere despite whatever obstacles and setbacks that confront us every day.
As we persevere and grow through hardships we are strengthened and prepared for even greater challenges in our faith.
Our goal to press on was threefold: to know Christ, follow Him and become like Him. God’s call is for us to be justified and glorified. This will only happen when we press on to spiritual maturity as we live up to what we have been taught by Jesus.
To press on is to be a “living example to all”.
We are called to actively press forward in our knowledge of the Lord and our fellowship with Him until we finally hear Him say, “Well done and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master”.
Personal Reflections:
Are you living up to your life’s calling?
In what ways do you press forward in your faith, your personal relationship with God, your personal and spiritual growth, your generosity in serving others and generosity in financial giving to support the mission of CFCA?
How do you press on in your service to the community; to your members as their leader, in CFCA’s mission and vision and the growth of our community?
Are you pressing forward in your service or simply maintain status quo?
Are you willing to go on mission, travel the distance, open new mission areas and go out of your comfort zones?
How about your members, how do you encourage them to also press forward in their service?
What are the things that hinder you from pressing on in your faith and service?