Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Pressing On

Reading: Phil.3:7-16

Key Verse: “Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus” verses 13-14

A spiritual quality highlighted by Peter is that of “perseverance”.  He says we should “make every effort” to add it to our faith (2 Pet.1:5-7). Similarly Paul speaks of the fruit of patience or endurance. Perseverance is about continuing on a course when things are so difficult our natural inclination would be to give up. On Nov 1st we referred to the 40% who give up gym membership within a year and the millions who abandon a diet. Jesus Himself experienced many of His followers turning back (John 6:66).

The path to attaining and maintaining spiritual fitness as faithful disciples of Jesus is littered with good intentions. But a disciple is under discipline. We discipline our natural desires for comfort and pleasure to embrace God’s calling on our lives. We forget our past achievements and failures to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus. We press on to be fully grown Christians who are continually filled with the Spirit and know God as our Father. We live a life of love and personal sacrifice as we follow Jesus wholeheartedly. We do not draw back but persevere to enter the presence and rest of God as His mature spiritually fit sons and daughters! Amen!

Prayer: Lord help me persevere to ever greater levels of spiritual fitness and maturity in Jesus.