by Jerry Senn
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:15-16).
One of the apostles Paul’s greatest fears was that the genuine faith of the believers in Philippi would falter, being discouraged because they were aware he faced many trials confined and in chains, facing possible death.
His mature guidance was to “press on toward the goal for the prize.” These words came from one whose condition was dismal to say the least. He’s saying, “Never give up, never give in, never stop believing and pressing forward, no matter what!”
This is a lesson I need almost daily. This is not because evil forces threaten but because the regular demands of life are tiring, even deflating. It’s common to all of us, but giving up is not an option.
I once read of a woman who aspired to swim from the California coast to Catalina Island, a distance of 22 miles. She was a very strong swimmer with great experience, confident of success — it was well within her ability.
As she began, with a boat nearby a dense fog hovered over the waves. Her direction was assured, and the fog wasn’t a problem at first. But, after several hours she thought she should be able to see Catalina Island, however wind and waves blocked her vision. She eventually decided to give up and board the ship thinking the whole thing was a failure.
Just as they raised her into the boat the fog lifted and she realized she was only a hundred yards from the goal. She gave up too soon.
The following is attributed to “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, who held the heavyweight boxing title for five years in the late nineteenth century. “Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands to come on guard, fight one more round. When your nose is bleeding and your eyes are black and you are so tired that you wish your opponent would crack you on the jaw and put you to sleep, fight one more round — remembering that the man who fights one more round is never whipped.”
We are “more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.” Don’t quit too soon !!!