Living a Life of Purpose and Perseverance
Have you ever set a goal so important that it changed how you lived your life each day? The Apostle Paul describes this kind of determination in Philippians 3:14. He says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This verse is a powerful reminder to live with focus, faith, and resilience. It encourages aiming for something far greater than the temporary rewards of this world.
What Does “Pressing Onward” Mean?
To “press onward” is to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges or setbacks you face. Imagine a runner in a race, straining toward the finish line with every bit of strength they have. That’s the imagery Paul is using—a picture of persistence and effort. Life is not always easy, and Paul knew this firsthand. He faced hardships like imprisonment, persecution, and countless obstacles, yet he never gave up. His secret? He focused on the ultimate goal. He sought a closer relationship with God. He held onto the promise of eternal life with Him.
Understanding Our “High Calling”
Paul describes this goal as a “high calling,” meaning it’s not just any ordinary mission. It’s a divine invitation from God to live a life that matters—a life centered on Christ. This calling is “high” because it’s about more than earthly ambitions like wealth or fame. It’s eternal and lasts forever. It involves knowing God, living for Him, and growing into the person He created you to be.
This calling is personal. Each of us has a unique path that God has laid out. Yet, the ultimate goal is the same for everyone. It is to glorify God and reflect Jesus in everything we do. It’s not always easy. Distractions—whether material possessions, worries, or even past mistakes—can pull us off track. But when we focus on God’s purpose for our lives, we find meaning and direction that nothing else can offer.
Learning from the Past—but Letting It Go
Paul also stresses the importance of “forgetting what is behind.” This doesn’t mean we should ignore lessons from the past. However, we shouldn’t let regrets or even past successes hold us back. Maybe you’ve made mistakes that weigh you down or missed opportunities that fill you with regret. Or perhaps you’ve achieved great things and feel tempted to rest on your laurels. Either way, clinging to the past can stop you from moving forward.
The good news is that God offers grace. He takes our brokenness, our failures, and even our victories and redeems them. When we lay these things at His feet, we free ourselves to embrace the future He has planned for us. Letting go of the past allows us to run the race with fresh energy and focus.
Facing Challenges with Perseverance
No journey worth taking is without obstacles, and the Christian life is no exception. Paul’s own life was filled with trials, yet he saw these as opportunities to grow stronger in his faith. Whether it’s a difficult season at work, struggles in relationships, or personal battles, challenges are part of the race. They test our resolve and help us rely on God’s strength instead of our own.
It’s comforting to remember that our struggles are temporary. Paul reminds us that the glory awaiting us far outweighs any hardship we face here on earth. Every challenge is like a stepping stone, shaping our character and drawing us closer to God. So, when setbacks come, don’t see them as the end of the road. Instead, view them as part of the process that strengthens your spirit and deepens your faith.
Focusing on the Prize
What is the “prize” Paul talks about? It’s not a trophy or a medal but something far more meaningful: the fullness of life in Christ. This prize is both a future promise and a present reality. In the future, it means eternal life with God in heaven—a place of perfect joy, peace, and love. But even now, we can experience glimpses of this prize through a relationship with Jesus. He offers peace that surpasses understanding, a sense of purpose, and the deep joy of knowing we are loved unconditionally.
It’s important to note that this prize isn’t something we earn by being “good enough.” It’s a gift of grace. But, reaching it does require our active participation. Through prayer, obedience, and trust, we grow closer to God and become more like Christ. It’s a partnership—God provides the grace, and we respond with faith and action.
Practical Steps for Pressing Onward
Living a life that presses onward toward the goal isn’t just about big, dramatic gestures. It’s about the small, daily choices that align our lives with God’s purpose. Here are some practical steps to help:
- Evaluate Your Priorities: Take a close look at what consumes your time and energy. Are these things helping you grow closer to God, or are they distractions? Adjust as needed to keep your focus on what truly matters.
- Practice Discipline: Like an athlete training for a race, build habits that strengthen your faith. Spend time in prayer, read Scripture, and consider fasting to draw closer to God.
- Persevere Through Challenges: When difficulties arise, don’t give up. Lean on God’s strength and seek support from a community of fellow believers who can encourage you.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Progress might be slow, but every step forward is worth celebrating. Thank God for His guidance and sustaining grace along the way.
- Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Stay connected to Christ through worship and intentional time spent in His presence. Let His life and teachings inspire you to move forward with faith.
Living with Eternity in Mind
Paul’s words remind us to adopt a “heavenward” perspective. This means keeping our focus on eternal things rather than getting caught up in the temporary distractions of this world. Wealth, status, and the opinions of others often seem important. Yet, they pale in comparison to the joy of knowing and serving God in the grand scheme of eternity.
When we live with eternity in mind, everything changes. Trials become easier to endure because we know they’re temporary. Everyday tasks take on new meaning because they’re part of a bigger picture. And our priorities shift as we invest our time, energy, and resources in things that have lasting value.
Pressing Onward: A Daily Choice
The journey described by Paul is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. Each day, we have the opportunity to press onward. We can leave behind what hinders us. Doing so moves us closer to the prize that awaits. So, what’s your next step? Maybe it’s letting go of a past regret, spending more time in prayer, or serving others in love. Whatever it is, take that step with confidence, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
As you reflect on Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14, let them inspire you. Live with purpose and perseverance. Keep an unshakable focus on your ultimate goal. The journey may not always be easy. However, reaching the destination is more than worth it. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 