We Pressed On Towards The Goal

SPIRITUAL PHOTO CHALLENGE 3

A Devotional 

by Guest Writer 

Debbie DeRienzo  

 

This past spring, my kiddos and I decided to refinish our kitchen table. I had NEVER done it before but after some research and a trip to Home Depot we were ready. We had no idea of the outcome but we had a goal in sight. That table of 12 years held many memories for us as a family and we were not ready to let that table go that easily! So we sanded (FOR HOURS). We were so tired (we did it all by hand). But we pressed on toward the goal. When we finally finished the table we rejoiced... until....I realized I still had to put the leaf in and do that part as well. Exhausted, frustrated and sick of the dust everywhere we never thought we would finish. But.. we pressed on toward the goal. What a reward was waiting when the table was completed stipped and ready for the new stain. Scripture tells us that the instant we’re saved, we become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). It tells us the old has gone, and the new has come. How simple that sounds!

The truth of the matter is that life is not that easy. True, at the moment of salvation, our sins are forgiven, and we’re right with God for the first time in our lives. The problem (maybe challenge is a better word) is that our walk with God doesn’t become perfect overnight. We’re still tempted by the same sins, we’re still immature in our faith — the bottom line is that we WILL fall again. So what is the Christian life really about?

I think Paul says it best in Philippians 3:10-14 –
10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 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. 13Brothers, 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, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We press ON TOWARD THE GOAL!!! Never giving up and always seeing the reward at the end. I look forward to the daily pursuit of this ULTIMATE goal and one day enjoying a banquet feast at God's table in heaven!!! 

 

 PS: I also like the fact that Emily's shirt says.. UNSTOPPABLE!!!

 

Thanks Debbie, for another wonderful 

Photo Challenge Devotional. 

 

Prayer: 

Lord help each of us to press on towards the goal. We often feel its a few steps forward and then a few steps back. We wonder if we are even making progress. Help us to know that you love us every step of this life's journey. Help us to remember to invite you into the journey and to not think we have to do it all on our own. Please send your Holy Sprit to help us navigate through the day before us.