Philippians 3:12-13

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. “

We know Paul is writing a thank you letter to the church of Philippi (his first church) and he simply wants to encourage them. If there is any one person in the bible, where you could say “ well he's not perfect but, man does he come close.” you would think Paul. You admire his meekness, humility, compassion. Just the way He resembles Christ. He preaches the Gospel, and walks it out. Paul says four things in these verses that stand out to me. “Press on, Lay hold of, Forgetting, and Reaching Forward.” And i believe these were key essentials to the foundation of the church of Philippi.

So why press on? Life gets narrow, things get rough and super problematic. At times we may even feel worthless and like we are breathing just to survive. The pain, sorrow, and burdens, and it feels like no one can relate. And if anyone can relate at times they are too late. But His word says press on! Isaiah 40:31 is a great reminder as to what is done when we do, “But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; They shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” So, why press on? Because your strength comes from the Lord, youre His child and He is taking care of you.

Laying a hold of all that God has spoken to us is never easy. Remembering can be so complicated in the midst of trials. But it is something that we must do in order to press on. Lay a hold of God's word so that it may abide in you. John 15:5 reminds us “He who abides in Me, and I in Him,bears much fruit..” Laying a hold of God means abiding in Him, and pressing on.

Why do we love to hold onto junk? When we forget those things which are behind us, we get clearer vision, and its easier to remember- the good and His promises. We love to make it so much harder on ourselves by looking back. We become Sarah (Lot's wife) so desperate for a glimpse of the past. When really the Lord has called us to remember but not reminiscence. To forget, we must let God take hold of what we have made.

The greatest part of the christian life is knowing that we can press on and walk in Victory. We get to Lay a hold of God's promises and power. The former things? They're behind us! And we can reach forward  with expectancy, for those things that are promised to us and eternal glory.