Press On

There is often in the life of the sincere believer a great disparity between the knowledge of their life call and the full realization of that call. They know what God called them to and the character they must display in order to be true to their calling, yet to live it out is altogether different.

This vast distance between the knowledge of the call and the power with which to carry out that call too often leads to despair, frustration, and at times, giving up. Yet we should take hope. Paul knew for what purpose Christ had laid hold of him and it was his heart’s desire to lay hold of that for which Christ had laid hold of him. Yet, he had no choice but to admit, “I have not yet laid hold of it.” The pride of life and the cares of life too often choked out the passion for holiness to which he found himself called. But, he did not give up. He forgot what was behind, yesterday’s failures and aborted attempts to be holy and he brought all his energies to bear on today. He pressed on.

If we will ever lay hold of what He has laid hold of us for, we must press on. We press on today despite yesterday’s failures. We press on tomorrow despite today’s unfulfilled expectations. We press on toward the goal-for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Quitting is not an option. There is no time for despair. We simply press on!