Looking Ahead
Even Paul had to focus his energies. It doesn't come easily for most of us. He made himself forget the past realizing that God wanted him to be looking ahead, not back.
It's interesting that Paul calls forgetting the past and looking forward one thing instead of two. We are doing one or the other. If we are not forgetting the past, it is difficult to look forward to what lies ahead.
One lady wrote after the conference, "I have made new commitments to God and faced emotions that had been covered with pride. My life will not be the same."
Her secret to maintaining those commitments is in Paul's next phrase: "I strain to reach the end of the race" (Phil. 3:14). Paul was putting all he had into reaching his goal.
"Strain" is also translated as "make every effort" as in Romans 14:19: "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace."
So today we strain, we make every effort to reach our goal!
Thank You, God, that with Your grace we can do all You put in our hearts to do.
"To the faithful you show yourself faithful" (Psalm 18:25).
Today's Prayer Request
Pray that every woman who made a commitment will receive grace to fulfill what she has sensed God challenging her to do.
