Do you know anyone who’s ever said (and meant it): “I have arrived” (?) I’m not talking about getting off the plane in the Caribbean for vacation, or teasingly showing up at the parent’s house for the holidays. I mean, I have personally never met anyone who legitimately thinks they’ve arrived IN LIFE.
Most would agree life is a journey, not a destination. Seasons change like the ebb and flow of the ocean– up one minute, down the next (while holding our breath). This is true of every person. And this is life— which is why I think most of us can agree with something Paul said in Philippians.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended [or arrived]…” (Philippians 3:13).
I can relate to this statement. I too, have not arrived. But it’s his faith statement that follows these words that really help us navigate the seasons and challenges of this life.
“…but 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).
He said the “one thing” he does is press toward the goal. Actually, he added the very helpful emphasis of how to stay focused on the goal: forget the past and keep your nose forward. The Message Translation says, “I’m not saying 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” (Philippians 3:12-14).
This is FATH.
This is the type of faith that helps you get back into a smooth ebb and flow in life versus gasping for air with every crash of oncoming waves. Keeping our heart right with God, continually fellowshipping with Him while we go about our daily lives is like riding a surfboard. Instead of getting knocked down, faith helps us ride on the top of the wave.
Interestingly, whether we are under the wave or riding on top, the wave has the same power. So why not rise above? Let’s be honest, we can’t depend on our own strength to accomplish this. Even if we started strong, weariness can set in. So Paul said the key is to “run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus” (Passion).
Most days, these verses feel like my life mantra. And that’s a good thing! I’ve learned to leave the past in the past. I can’t go back and change things (although I can try and make things right). I’ve also learned it’s not hard to stay the course if I keep my nose in the right direction. But most importantly, I’ve learned to press– to do something every day. I don’t sit idly by just wishing. I activate my faith (on purpose).
There is a goal. There is a prize. And I don’t think God intends for us to wait until heaven.
