The Finish Line – October 17, 2023

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

The Finish Line

When something becomes too hard, we often give up. For example, if the hill we’re climbing on our bike becomes too steep, we may not have the necessary strength to overcome the gravity pulling us back down. This old man hops off and walks it to the top.

What’s true of our physical nature is also true of our spiritual nature. When we find ourselves on some “spiritual hill” facing resistance, we can be tempted to go in the opposite direction to avoid the pain and inconvenience of resistance. Our “spiritual gravity”—also known as our sinful nature—pulls us to whatever is easiest for us, the path of least resistance.

So, how do we overcome the temptation to give up when the spiritual going gets tough? We rely on our Lord Jesus. He is the One who has already won the victory for us by his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. He who won heaven for us will give us the strength to fight against those things that might sidetrack us on our journey there.

Well, how do athletes overcome the adversity they face? Training, preparation, focus.

This is what the apostle Paul did. He wrote, “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.”

Jesus has already won the race for us. Eternal salvation is certain in him. He’s standing at the finish line, waiting to welcome us home.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me focus on the perfect salvation you’ve won for me and give me strength to overcome my daily adversity. Amen.