Have you ever felt stuck in your faith journey, especially when life feels heavy? You know, the feeling you get when you don’t know what God is going to do next, or how soon he’s going to answer a prayer that’s been on repeat from your life’s playlist. And yet, spiritual growth and maturity aren’t always about getting quick answers to our problems, or arriving at a final destination, but continuing to move forward with Christ during sunny times or seasonal showers.
Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who, even in the darkest moments, decided to keep moving forward in Christ. He wrote one of the most joyful letters in the New Testament while sitting in prison. Yet, even in hardship, he refused give up, give in to disappointment, or remain stuck. Instead, he said in Philippians 3:12, "Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on." Paul’s approach to life shows us what real faith looks like: that we keep pressing and pursuing God, no matter the circumstances.
Here are three building blocks that will help us live this out.
Building Block #1: Recognize that spiritual maturity is ongoing.
Paul makes it clear in Philippians 3:10–12 that spiritual growth isn’t a milestone to reach. Rather, it’s a process we go through, pursuing an intimate, daily relationship with Christ desiring to become more like him day after day.
Building Block #2: Press past your past.
In Philippians 3:13, Paul says, “One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” This includes not focusing on our past failures or even our previous successes. Looking at Paul as our example, he had an impressive résumé. He was a Roman citizen by birth, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, and a Pharisee. If anyone could have boasted about his background, it was him, yet he stayed humble and hungry for God, and he counted it all as loss compared to knowing Christ. The same should be true for us. We cannot let yesterday’s wins or wounds keep us from pursuing Jesus!
Building Block #3: Pursue with purpose.
In Philippians 3:14, Paul says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize.” Paul teaches that we should focus on our higher calling in Christ rather than on worldly matters that have no eternal value. Concentrating on the One who lived, died, and rose for us is worth our full pursuit and continual praise. When distractions come, we keep our eyes toward the goal God has ordained for us and keep moving forward.
So, here’s the bottom line: Strive for the prize.
Take a moment to write down one specific area in your life where God is calling you to press forward. Think about the end prize, hearing “Well done, my faithful servant” from Jesus your Savior, knowing you did the will of the Father and persevered through life’s ups and downs. Then pray and ask God for strength and guidance as you take that next step with your eye on the prize.
This week, keep pressing and pursuing knowing that God is not finished with you yet.
