Press On

Ready:

“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 Christ Jesus, is calling us.” -- Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

Set:

Coaches and athletes that want to win pursue their sport with passion, determination and excellence. They want to perform at their best to contribute to a winning team. They set goals, make wise decisions, play to win, stay focused, and are humble and teachable. They have a prize in mind, and they chase after it relentlessly.

These same attributes apply to their spiritual lives. To fulfill their God-given purpose and live out their faith, they must pursue God relentlessly. They have a central focus on the Savior and seek Him first in all they do. They realize that God is always at work around them and that He desires an intimate relationship with them. Our Heavenly Father is constantly pursuing us. Will we respond by pursuing Him?

David was a great example of someone who pursued God wholeheartedly. He said in Psalm 63:1, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” David was known as a man after God’s own heart.

In "The Pursuit of God", A.W. Tozer said, “The impulse to pursue God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our following hard after Him.” Let’s reflect on this and adjust our perspective to accomplish it.

Go:

1. Are you following Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 
2. Would others describe you as someone who pursues God?

Workout:

Matthew 6:33; Psalm 27:4; Deuteronomy 4:29

Overtime:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for putting the desire to follow Jesus in my heart. Forgive me when I drift away and thank You for always drawing me back to You. Out of my deep love for You and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, help me to pursue You over anything else in my life, Amen."

Mark Long