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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 3:12-14
Paul had made a choice for his life. His purpose was to reach his full potential in Christ. He not only acknowledged that Jesus had “laid hold” of him but also recognized his own need to “lay hold” of his calling in Christ (Philippians 3:12). Jesus may have “laid hold” of Paul, but without Paul “laying hold” of his new life in Jesus, he would never reach his potential. To accomplish this, Paul chose to persevere, forget the past, and concentrate on his future. He resolved to “press on” toward the goal, driven by the promise of God’s upward call.
Paul had four choices to make: (1) He had to press on toward his calling, persevering and never giving up. (2) He had to lay hold of it at all costs. (3) He had to forget the past that lay behind him, believing the past was no longer who he was. (4) He had to reach toward those things of God that, though unseen, were true and eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Rather than succumbing to complacency, Paul was propelled by the extraordinary grace of Jesus, which had transformed his life. He understood that forgiveness granted him a new beginning. Now, he had the opportunity to fulfill God’s calling and live an overcoming life. However, Paul faced a pivotal decision: to envision his future and take hold of his calling in Christ. He had to seize the new life Christ had bestowed upon him. Paul couldn’t settle for a passive existence. He yearned to work with the One who had forgiven him and given him new life.
Just like Paul, God has called you with a holy calling, that has nothing to do with your performance or your worthiness. He has called you to His own purpose because He wants to show you His grace. If you feel like giving up, you need to understand that it’s not your ability God wants. He wants your availability. If you’ve reached the end of your own strength, you’re a candidate for God’s grace. So come to the throne of grace.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Begin to offer the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). Determine to praise God, regardless of your circumstances. Pray in the Spirit so God can build your faith (Jude 1:20). Give Him the opportunity to work and turn things around. Forget the past and press on! Forgiveness gives you a new beginning!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
