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Writer's picturerhovondabrown
Aug 7, 20194 min read

The Journey to the Finish Line

Philippians 3:12 (NLT) 12 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.

In today’s passage, Paul shared with the church in Philippi about his freedom journey. In his transparency, the apostle let the Philippians in on his endeavor to passionately pursue Christ. I hear Paul saying:

I press my way every day to reach the finish line. I strive to be the man God had called me to be even though it’s hard. Thoughts of what I used to do and the person I used to be, often resurface. Nonetheless, I keep trying with all my might to passionately pursue Christ. I keep my eyes on Him. Though, I am an imperfect man with a long way to go. I dare not say that I have arrived because I haven’t. But I press my way forward to reach that heavenly prize …

Paul’s letter should encourage us to keep moving forward, no matter how hard it gets. Keep pursuing godliness. My sister keep striving to be the woman God has called you to be. No matter what, press forward! Forget those things behind us. Let go of past mistakes, past failures, setbacks, and all those things that went wrong yesterday or last week or last month or even ten years ago. Let them go! Look to the future. Hope is waiting there for us. Joy is beckoning us to keep running, keep our eyes on God. Love is pushing us forward.

And while we are on this freedom journey, let us not forget to enjoy the present. It’s our gift from the Lord. My sister today is a brand new day. What a blessing to be alive! God has given us another chance to enjoy the things He has blessed us with, our children, husband, family and friends, and life. He’s also given us a Savior who eagerly loves spending time with us. Let us treasure being in His presence. All of these are valuable and precious to us, things we cannot take for granted.

Here are t3 principles we must remember as we run hard toward the finish line:

  1. Cease worrying. Let’s not get distracted and frustrated by what’s going on around us or what it looks like. I know it’s hard, but we have to stop stressing. Stop worrying about tomorrow (Matt. 6:34). Stop fretting about what someone else is doing or saying. Stop thinking about “what if”. Think about what is: The joy of the Lord is your strength. God is your refuge.

Psalm 37:1,7-9 (NIV) 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

  1. God is effectively and continuously working in your life. How amazing is that? God is at work in you! He’s invigorating and revitalizing you as He infuses you to fulfill His purpose. He hasn’t skipped a beat. He hasn’t forgotten about His promises to you. Hold fast to what He has told you and remain grateful.

Philippians 2:13-14 (NIV)13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

  1. Remember, your journey will not be like someone else. God has a unique plan for your life. Your path was designed specifically for you and no one else. Everything you experience is part of God’s plan and things will go according to His plan. Neither you nor I can mess that up. Thank God!

Proverbs 19:21 (TPT) 9 A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of his purpose will succeed in the end.

Beloved, I know life may not be the way you want it to be, right now. Perhaps life is not how you envisioned and things may not be going according to your plans. In spite of that, I urge you to focus on the Hope of Glory. Focus on the Redeemer and the one who sticks closer to you than any brother. Look at God. Listen as He whispers in your ear, I’m working things out for your good. I’m working on your behalf. Trust Me.

My friend, may you be encouraged to keep reaching toward the finish line, and as you press, I’m praying you’ll enjoy those beautiful blessings along your way.

It’s Wednesday, Hump Day! Here’s our biblical principle to help us get over the hump.

Philippian 3:14 (ERV)14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.

Encouraging You to Walk in Freedom! ™

Were you encouraged by this devotional? Purchase my devotional book, Walking in Freedom!. It’s has 30 thought-provoking devotionals that will intensify your walk with Christ. Take the 30-Day Challenge!

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