Simply the Bible Blog

“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. Brothers, 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.” (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)

Paul knew that he was a man under construction. The Master Builder had a blueprint. There was a purpose in the mind of God for which Paul had been chosen. God was writing Paul’s story to conform him to the image of Christ. Paul knew that he hadn’t arrived yet. There was more work to be done in the apostle, as well as more work for him to do. Like a marathon runner he pressed on to take hold of the prize—the goal for which Christ took hold of him.

Paul said, “One thing I do: forgetting what is behind…” You see, there were things in Paul’s past that could have tripped him up. He was a blasphemer and persecutor of the church. After his conversion when he first went up to Jerusalem, the believers had trouble accepting him. He didn’t cover over his past. Rather, by the grace of God he chose to forget his past, realizing that God had chosen and forgiven him anyway. This forgetting of past sins, mistakes and failures is essential for the one who would win the prize of the highest call. We can forget because we have been forgiven. The precious atoning blood of Jesus is our release and commission to run our race with Godspeed.

Think of it: God is writing your story. He has taken hold of you for a purpose. Do you know what it is? Give yourself to him today in absolute surrender. Let go of the past even as you embrace His cross. He who has called you will help you win the prize!