Keep pressing on

 I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.                         — Philippians 3:12

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the challenges of living for Christ? You’re not alone. Even Paul felt that way. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, he honestly admitted that the troubles he and Timothy endured in Asia had taxed them beyond measure, and they feared for their lives. But Paul said they learned this lesson: “We should not trust in ourselves but in God” (v. 9).

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul again wrote honestly about his Christian walk, admitting that he hadn’t attained perfection: “I press toward the goal for the prize.” He identified this lifelong pilgrimage as “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Years ago, a group of Englishmen tried to conquer Mt. Everest. They pressed on against cold, wind, blizzards, and avalanches. When they came within 2,000 feet of the peak, they set up camp. Two men, Mallory and Irvine, eagerly pressed on, expecting to return in about 16 hours. They never came back. The official record said simply: “When last seen, they were heading toward the summit.”

Whatever the obstacles, let’s keep pressing on in the upward call of God, trusting in Him and not ourselves. At life’s end, may it be said of us, “When last seen, they were heading toward the summit!”                         — Joanie Yoder

When the pathway seems long,

When temptation is strong,

When your strength’s almost gone-

That’s the time to press on. - Hess

READ: Philippians 3:1-16

When the pressure is on, press on!

The Bible in one year:

• Ezekiel 31-33