Strive for the Goal

The one thing the enemy of our souls want to do is cause us to be defeated.  We all have things that we struggle with.  Some people it addictions.  Others it is worry and fear.  No matter what it is, satan comes along with temptations and when we give in he has us right where he wants us.  His next step is to cause us to feel condemned and defeated. 

So, what can we do when he begins to tempt us?  The answer is keep you eye on the goal.  Keep thinking about what is beyond the temptation if you overcome.  John said we overcome by the word of our testimony. That one time when you overcame, it made it easier to overcome the next time.  

Paul understood this.

Philippians 3:12-14 says:

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Paul understood that he had not made it yet.  But the answer was a couple of things

1. Forgetting you past.  Too many times we keep going back to that same old thing that has kept us bound because we don't want to let it go.  We keep it on our minds instead of forgetting it.

2.  Reach for those things that are before.  Once you have forgotten those things in your past that have held you back, get your mind on what is before and the goal that Jesus Christ has for us.  

When you get you mind on the goal ahead, you realize that God has so much more for you than what that thing is that satan likes to bring up and put in your face.  The benefits are out of this world.

Thank you Lord for a hope of eternity.  Thank you for peace and joy that is in your presence.  Help me today to forget about my past failures and those things that trip me up.  Help me to remember your blessings that are ahead.