Philippians 3:13 – 14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
As we enter the new year we renew ourselves with hope for the future. Let’s consider from the scripture above some ideas for that.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended”
Acknowledge that we are not perfect, we don’t understand everything, we have not yet arrived. We are a work in progress.
“but this one thing I do”
We don’t have to be perfect or understand everything, in order to make progress.
“forgetting those things which are behind”
There are things you need to forget. Dark things you have done, people who have hurt you, circumstances that were bad, difficulties, failures, disappointments, grief and sorrow. God gave us human emotions, and it’s not wrong to have these feeling. Are you dwelling on bad things from this past year, or maybe even before the past year? God says there’s a time to forget them.
“reaching forth unto those things which are before”
Don’t fear the future. Reach forth. There are good things before you. No matter where you are, or what your circumstances, God has not forgotten you.
“I press toward the mark for the prize”
There’s a goal before you, a prize, something worth working for.
“of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”
You. Yes you. Have a high calling. God has declared that you have purpose and meaning. A high calling. You are unique, only one of you, your high calling is different from anyone else, but just as critical, just as important, just as noble. You press toward the mark to fulfill your high calling.
May God richly bless you this new year as you press toward the prize.