Press Toward the Goal

Last updated on: February 12, 2018 at 6:48 pm by KP Yohannan

Press Toward the Goal 2018-02-12T18:48:42+00:00 KP Yohannan

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Certain studies of U.S. highways have shown an astonishingly high incidence of drivers colliding with cars parked legally on the side of the road. Most of these drivers were not under the influence of alcohol or medication, and most of the collisions occurred during favorable weather conditions.

Then what is the reason behind the sheer number of accidents? As safety experts studied the statistics, they came up with a fascinating explanation: Just as a moth is drawn unconsciously to a flame, a driver tends to involuntarily steer his car to where his eyes are focused. Thus, if his vision locks onto a vehicle parked by the side of the road rather than focusing on the road in front of him, he is in danger of colliding with the car.

As Christians, we all face distractions and hardships. Our enemy knows our weaknesses, and he tries his best to steer our attention to right or to the left in order to get us out of the race. When things get difficult and we see what looks like an easier path, we are tempted to give in and follow it.

But as we strain our eyes forward, looking down the track to the finish line, we can see someone familiar: it is Jesus! He has finished His race, and He is waiting for us there. Suddenly we realize that if He has already completed the race, so can we. As we focus our eyes on Him, all the other sounds and sights that distract us from our task fade away. We forget about our weariness as we run steadily toward the finish line, our eyes fixed on Jesus alone.

But it is a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute choice we must make to keep looking forward, refusing to look around. We can be sure that there will be difficulties and distractions. We will find ourselves in the midst of struggles and messes. We will stumble and fall sometimes and will have to repent of our sins. But we can be sure that Jesus will always be there, waiting for us at the finish line.

Though Paul told the Philippians he hadn’t “arrived” spiritually, he also said, “one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14). This is the secret to staying in the race, no matter how difficult it is.

Jesus endured the cross, the pain, the agony, the shame, and the suffering “for the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). He looked beyond the cross, and He saw the joy that was waiting. This is what enabled Him to endure the horrible suffering and death He experienced for us.

Wherever we are at in our journey, I pray that the enemy will not steal away our affection from the One who paid with His blood to redeem us. I pray that we will not walk away from Him. I pray that we will be willing to pay the price in order to follow Jesus.

This world is still full of multiplied millions of people who are without hope, suffering and totally unaware of God’s love for them. Many live without even basic necessities like shelter, food or medical care. While we are here on earth, can we act as Christ’s hands to touch them, feed them, care for them and clothe them? Can we walk away from the easier paths that seem to pull at our attention and instead follow in the Lord’s footsteps, ministering hope to these precious people?

God will give us the grace to live this life as He calls us to. In the light of eternity, the race that we’re running is really not that long. I pray that we will be able look beyond the cross, beyond the pain and sacrifice, and see the joy that is waiting for us. The joy we experience when we gather around the throne, with all of eternity stretching out before us, will be far greater than any struggles along the way.

As we run this race, let us keep looking to Jesus and the joy that is set before us. Joy that is indescribably glorious. Joy that will make every ounce of suffering and endurance worth it all.

=====

Read more blogs by Dr. KP Yohannan here online, or on Patheos.

Go here to know more about Dr. KP Yohannan: GoodReads | Radio | Amazon | About KP Yohannan | Comments on Integrity

Previous Post

February 3, 2018

"Unless You Are Broken, I Cannot Do Anything With You."

Next Post

February 8, 2018 What Are Signs of Not Depending Upon the Lord?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Current Events Devotionals Field Stories From My Books Guest Writer Inspirational Personal Life Spiritual Growth Uncategorized

Select a Month June 2025 June 2024 May 2024 December 2023 October 2023 May 2023 April 2023 December 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 November 2021 September 2021 August 2021 May 2021 March 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz