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Pressing On - January 2025 - A Phrase to Direct My Course

tamarajwanner

An eagle flying with a backdrop of blue sky and conifer trees
An eagle flying with a backdrop of blue sky and conifer trees

 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14 NIV)


In Bible college, these words became my life verses. But in 2025, the emphasis has been to forget what is behind before pressing on. This is one of the hardest things to do when mistakes loom large in the rear view mirror.


What things do I hold against my spouse from long ago? Do past hurts with fellow Christians trip me up with anxiety?


Did I parent my child with wisdom or fear? Did I say the wrong thing? Is the rift in that relationship irreparable because I didn't do enough? Should I have budgeted better? Why didn't I speak out on that issue?


Dian Layton, a dear friend, wrote a song called, 'Keeping On'. This song wanders through my mind whenever I get discouraged about praying, or forgiving someone again or trying to complete a task I feel is daunting(like writing a book).


The enemy's voice reminds us of where we've failed in the past, but God asks us not to worry about what we didn't obtain in the past. If we let it go and keep our eyes fixed on Him, we will enjoy the prize of a deeper relationship with Jesus.


Dian has since gone to hang out in heaven sliding down the golden streets. If you've read any of her children's books about 'Seeker', you'll discover a great allegorical series that help kids navigate walking with Jesus.


The Message puts these verses from Philippians this way:


12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.


The phrase 'press on' means to be determined to move forward often despite problems. When our children were small, we enjoyed watching 'Meet the Robinsons'. It was a study in contrasts. One young boy chose to keep moving forward and the other stayed stuck in the past holding on to a grudge. But a desire to go back to the past and discover his birth mom almost kept him from stepping into the life with adoptive parents. The producer of this movie gave voice to the idea that pressing on without a fixation on what happened in the past brings a joyful future to those who keep moving forward.


Let's press on together in 2025.


If there's anything we can encourage each other to keep on keeping on, leave a note in the comments.






(Keep On Keepin' On: Helping Kids to Never Give Up! - Faith & Flame - Books and Gifts - Destiny Image - 9780768452365)

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Beautifully said, my friend. Joining you in looking forward this year!

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