Pressing Forward When I Feel Stuck (Philippians 3)

Evening Scripture

Philippians, Chapter 3

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh — though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, 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. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Evening Reflection

Maturity often looks like perseverance. Perseverance means keeping up a steady effort to achieve a goal, even when things get hard or take a long time. As we grow, we learn how to stick with things even when they get hard.

As parents, half the work we do is encouraging our kids when they complain, get frustrated, when the work isn’t fun, or when it's hard. The goal of parenthood is for our kids to eventually become people who can solve problems, stay focused, and remain reliable on their own.

Paul is speaking as a parent to the new Christians of the city of Philippi. He encourages them in verses 13-15, explaining that to do the work of the Lord, they have to press towards the goal. They can’t stop; they have to keep moving forward. Paul goes on to say that those who are mature take on this gritty, “let’s do this thing” kind of attitude.

Maybe you need the same pep talk. The going got tough, God hasn’t answered your prayer as quickly or efficiently as you’d like, or you're just plain stuck. The Bible says get focused. Don’t grow weary in doing good; press forward towards the calling God has placed on your life.

Graciously, we don’t have to muster up the strength to get unstuck on our own. Through prayers of faith, God offers to carry us on eagles' wings (Exodus 19:4). He brings us to the next season by his might and strength and through his grace, all for his glory!

Personally, I’ve faced many seasons in which my soul felt weary. When I knew I was out of answers, strength, or ideas. I needed a miracle. Every time I’ve reached the end of myself, God showed up for me. The time my panic disorder had finally consumed my whole life, I cried out to the Lord for help, and he led me towards the support I needed. When my marriage was unraveling, my heart cold and hurt, I gave it all over to him, asking his will to be done. Miraculously, we started to take baby steps toward healing and new, healthier habits. God provided these things in abundance.

The message of Philippians 3 is don’t give up. Stay focused on the calling God has for you and don’t do it alone. God gave his life so you could be his. He loves you and he won’t leave you to drown. He can carry you through to the next season.

Evening Prayer

Father,

I ask that you would grow perseverance and maturity in me. Show me how to remain focused on the goal and calling you have for my life. By your strength alone, get me to the next season. Carry me on your eagles’ wings. Strengthen and encourage me to do the work you have for me and let it all be for your glory. You provide all I need. I need you to get unstuck. Help me Lord.

Amen.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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