No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

The week before last, I spent six days at a women’s retreat in Texas. Six days of soul searching, 1-on-1 time with the Father.  I was able to turn off the world (literally — no phone, email, social media, etc. for six days!) and take a step back.

When I looked at my life as a follower of Christ, the Lord revealed to me that I had become complacent. I was lazy in my walk and okay with it. In my small human mind, I was doing good compared to others. My push for spiritual growth and intimacy with God had slipped into this habitual, to-do list. It was more of something I did, not who I was and Who I was doing life with. Over time, I lost my fire. The comparing to others had stolen the burn in my heart to give God all I have, every single day.

How hard are you pressing toward Jesus? Are you willing to get up an hour early? Would you rather sleep in than go to church on Sunday? What does the fire in your heart look like?

Paul encourages us to press on. Forget about the past, forget what others are doing. This race is all about you connecting your eyes with the Father’s and fight for your faith. The old flesh puts up a hard fight but in Christ you can do A N Y T H I N G. (Philippians 4:13) You are a new creation (1 Corinthians 5:17) — the old you is gone for good. The heart that Jesus had as He walked this earth is in you. Sin has no power over you. None!

All we have to do is call on His name, He has our back. Along with His whole angel posse! I have no doubt. My hope for you today is that you keep pressing on towards Jesus, the eternal reward is more than we can imagine.