"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
-Philippians 3: 12

Focus

I was in Sunday School class this summer at Maple Grove with a wise teacher who taught a series of lessons on the Book of Philippians. One of the things that we talked about was 'press(ing) on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 14) It got me thinking about 'focus.' What are you focused on? What about me? Are you focused on the prize? The prize of eternal life with God our Father purchased for us by His Son. To live a life worthy of that gift. To lift a life that causes others to want to pursue the prize as well. We will never be perfect in this life but we are called to serve God and to be all that we can be. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3: 12) We need to keep our 'focus' and press on in spite of whatever life deals us.

American cyclist Lance Armstrong recently won a record tying 5th straight Tour de France race. A grueling 23 day, 2125 mile trek around France. Can you imagine the focus it takes him to continue to excel at such a high level? Lance has also overcome many obstacles in his life including a battle with cancer in which he was given only a 50/50 chance at survival. He truly is a champion in his sport but If he wants to maintain his status as a champion, he must also forget the championships he has already won and focus on the next challenge ahead. "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal..." (Philippians 3: 13-14) In life we must overcome many obstacles some bad, some good. We need to 'forget what is behind' (failures and successes) and 'strain toward what is ahead.' We admire the focus we see in champions like Lance Armstrong or those in any sport. But do we take the same focus in our spiritual life to be all that God has called us to be? Forget what is behind on focus on what is ahead and you to can win the prize set out for you by God!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 3: 13-14

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