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Passage is Philippians 3:12-14.
Title is Pressing on toward the goal.

Verse 12a. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal

Paul uses the metaphor of a race to describe his life of faith. Although he has made significant progress and achieved much—like pioneering the gospel in Asia Minor, Europe, and even Rome—he acknowledges he hasn’t reached his final goal. He doesn’t consider himself to have already obtained it, and he certainly doesn’t think he’s done. Despite his accomplishments, Paul passionately continues to pursue Christ, recognizing he is still on his journey and striving toward the ultimate goal.

Verse 12b. I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

What is it that Christ took hold of Paul for? It is to know Jesus, to be like Jesus, to live as a witness of Jesus, and to evangelize.
This mission was not something Paul chose for himself; it was entrusted to him by Jesus.
Paul devoted his entire life to fulfilling this mission, relentlessly pressing on to grasp it fully.
His determination and commitment to his divine calling are evident in his tireless efforts to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, as Jesus had appointed him to do.

Verse 13. 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

Paul’s life motto is to forget the past and strive for what lies ahead.
He compares himself to a runner who, with eyes fixed on the goal, ignores past successes and failures.
This mindset is crucial
because many of us are tempted to live in the past, either boasting about achievements or lamenting over mistakes.
Many people dwell on past mistakes, wasting time in regret and missing present opportunities.
Forgetting the past allows us to move forward without being hindered by it.
To move forward, we must confess our sins to Jesus, receive His forgiveness, and embrace His grace.
Paul’s determination to strain toward what is ahead serves as a powerful example of intense effort and firm purpose in our faith journey.

Verse 14. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

Paul was always focused on the goal: to know Christ fully and be transformed into His likeness, including receiving a resurrection body.
Despite the many challenges, sufferings, and battles against sin and injustice, he kept pressing on toward this goal.
When we finally see Jesus, all our struggles will be worth it. We’ll be fully redeemed, in perfect fellowship with Christ, with no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4).

Let’s pray for a focused and empowered life from God. What’s your life goal? Is it a successful career, happiness, or a prosperous ministry?
The ultimate goal should be knowing Christ.
To know Him means experiencing His love, the power of His resurrection, and participating in His sufferings.
Our Christian life isn’t merely about moral living or hard work; it's fundamentally about knowing Christ. Christ is sufficient. May God empower us to press on toward this goal.

I am facing many challenges and difficulties as I work on UBF world campus mission support using the IT skills God has given me, CSUF campus ministry, and my startup business.
I often tend to dwell on my past failures, feeling regret and discouragement.
However, Paul teaches us to forget what is behind and to press on toward the mission God has given us, focusing solely on Jesus.

Recently, God has sent several opportunities and people my way.
He has provided two second-generation interns and one college student intern as coworkers.
I pray that I can focus on the mission and Jesus, rather than on my current difficulties and my own shortcomings.

I am very happy and thankful that Elijah has joined us as a coworker at CSUF. I pray that God will help Elijah succeed in his studies and become a faithful servant used by God.

I pray that God helps us overcome discouragement and press on toward heaven in Christ. May He grant us a clear vision of our purpose and guide us through all circumstances.

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