Have you ever felt like you’re not where you should be spiritually? Like despite your best efforts, you’re still falling short of who God wants you to be? If so, you’re in good company. The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in Christian history, felt the same way.
What Does It Mean to “Not Be There Yet”?
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul makes a startling admission: “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.”
This passage reveals something profound about the Christian journey. Even Paul – the man who wrote half of the New Testament and played a crucial role in starting the Christian revolution – acknowledged he wasn’t there yet. He was still a work in progress.
Why This Should Encourage Us
Paul’s honesty brings tremendous relief. If someone of his spiritual stature could admit he hadn’t “arrived,” then it’s okay that we haven’t either. We all fall short sometimes. We compromise our character to fit in, let insecurities dictate our actions, or lose our cool over trivial matters.
The truth is, none of us are there yet. And that’s exactly where God wants to meet us.
How Do We Press On When We’re Not There Yet?
Paul doesn’t let his admission of imperfection become an excuse for giving up. Instead, he shows us what it means to press on despite our shortcomings.
The Picture of a Runner
Paul uses the imagery of a runner at the end of a race. Picture a sprinter leaning forward with everything they have – head high, chest out, arms back – putting every ounce of energy into moving forward. This is the spirit Paul calls us to embrace.
Don’t give up. Don’t stop. Keep going. Your story isn’t over yet. There’s still a prize worth pursuing.
What Does It Take to Press On?
Forget the Past
Paul writes, “One thing I do, forgetting what is behind.” If you want to move forward, you must put the past behind you. This includes both past failures and past glories.
Looking back while running a race will only slow you down. You can’t drive while looking in the rearview mirror without eventually crashing. The same principle applies to life.
Paul had plenty of reasons to look back in shame – he had persecuted the very church he now served. But instead of dwelling on past guilt, he moved forward in ministry. He also had reasons to look back in glory at his accomplishments, but he considered all those things loss for the sake of knowing Christ.
Strain Toward the Future
Paul continues: “straining toward what is ahead.” This suggests living with intentionality and urgency, not just limping through life weighed down by baggage.
As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.'”
Life is too precious to coast along. It’s a gift from God that should be pursued with urgency, especially when lived for Jesus.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
The goal isn’t just to finish the race – it’s to become like Jesus. Every step, every lap, every mile should be in His direction.
How God Uses Our Brokenness
Sometimes life throws us curveballs that completely derail our plans. Tragedy strikes, dreams are shattered, and the future looks bleak. But God doesn’t waste our experiences – He uses them.
Consider someone who faces chronic pain after a life-altering accident. Their professional dreams may be derailed, but they’re uniquely equipped to minister to others facing similar struggles. Who better understands that darkness than someone who has walked through it? And who better understands that there’s still a race to run than someone who has chosen to press on despite overwhelming circumstances?
God didn’t place you where you are to leave you there. Whatever you’ve been through, He wants to use it for His purposes.
What About Those Who Haven’t Taken Hold of Jesus?
Paul writes about pressing on “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Perhaps you’ve never taken hold of Jesus in the first place. Maybe the reason you can’t press on is because you haven’t yet embraced the One who makes the journey possible.
Taking hold of Jesus is the first step in this race of faith. It’s acknowledging that you need Him, accepting His forgiveness, and committing to follow His path for your life.
Life Application
This week, choose to press on rather than give up. Identify one area where you’ve been looking backward – whether dwelling on past failures or past glories – and make a conscious decision to strain toward what lies ahead. Ask God to show you what He wants you to press toward and give you the strength to keep your eyes on the prize of becoming more like Jesus.
Consider these questions as you reflect on your own journey:
- What past experiences (good or bad) am I allowing to hold me back from moving forward?
- How might God want to use my struggles or setbacks to help others?
- What specific area of my life needs me to “press on” rather than give up?
- Am I running toward Jesus or just trying to get through each day?
Remember, you’re not there yet – and that’s okay. Neither was Paul. Neither am I. But one day we will be there in the presence of Jesus, and He’ll ask how we ran the race. Will you be able to say you pressed on, or that you gave up? Let’s press on together, keeping our eyes fixed on the prize of knowing Christ and becoming like Him.
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