It always saddens me when the Olympics come to an end. Over the
last two weeks I have watched the Olympics every evening. I enjoy seeing the
greatest athletes compete against one another on the biggest stage. I will
watch any event, even the ones I have no clue what is going on! More so, I delight
in the stories of athletes who have overcome various difficulties in life to
reach the top. Athletes come from many backgrounds with various obstacles. Some
have overcome injuries, unfortunate circumstances, poverty etc. Yet others have
overcome struggles they brought on themselves by making bad choices or following
poor advice. When asked how they succeeded, most give a similar response, FOCUS
and press on!
As Christians, we
will face various struggles and obstacles in our lives as well. These have
potential to hinder us from pressing on if we let them. It is no wonder, Paul
and the Hebrew writer both compare the Christian’s life to sporting events and
challenge us with the same message, Focus and Press on.
The
Hebrew writer urges Christians to, “lay
aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run
with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and has sat
down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Unfortunately even as Christians, we will
continue to struggle with sin. We must keep our focus in the direction of
Christ.
In a comparable way, Paul encourages the Philippians saying:
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies
behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the
prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14). In our life there will be situations and
circumstances that threaten our forward progress. We need to choose, as Paul
did, to let go of the past and press on toward the future.
In
our walk with God, we will face hurdles. Some may come as a result of
circumstances beyond our control, others will come from choices we make.
Whatever the cause, Let us take the advice of Paul and the Hebrew writer by
maintaining our focus on Christ and always pressing forward toward the goal!
Blessings,
Jeremy
