Philippians 3:12-14 | Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by everything the Bible says a Christ follower should be? You’re not alone. The Apostle Paul had similar feelings that he shared with his readers in Philippians chapter 3. After giving a brief explanation of what a mature Christ follower should be, he consoles his readers with this statement, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect.” Paul knew that the Christian life was not something that was going to be attainable in our lifetime here on earth and that not even he had reached the place of full maturity as a Christ follower. Wow! What a relief!

But what he said next is what is most important. He says that even though he hasn’t yet reached this place of full maturity, he continues to press on, to strive for it. He doesn’t give up, doesn’t get bogged down in past failures and doesn’t let the enormity of his quest knock him off track. He continues to press on toward the goal that his calling by God created. We too, have been called by God and set on a course toward a goal that we can’t achieve on our own. But we can scratch and claw and fight our way toward it day by day until we reach the finish line.

So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed remember you’re in good company with the rest of us. But also remember to keep on fighting, keep pressing on toward the goal and receive the prize God has promised you in Christ.

Family Activity: Look up some stories of how people overcame past failures to reach their goals in life.