“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Phil. 3:13-14
I can’t believe we are at the end of January of 2010 already. One question, “How are your New Year resolutions?” I know many of us had made resolutions at the beginning of this year. For some, they are already a distant memory. I just have one thing to say, “Press on!”
Let me just share a quick story to encourage you to never give up. As some of you are aware, I just received my Masters degree in Divinity (MDiv) this past year. But before my completion, I had one huge obstacle, an obstacle according to legend. The class was called “New Testament Interpretation.” According to all, it was the most difficult class in our curriculum. Some students have repeated the class two or even three times. Some students have yet to graduate just because of this one class.
With all the buildup, I was very diligent in taking good notes and paying close attention so that I would not delay my graduation and continue to financially burden my family. I was also anxious to serve my church on a full time basis as well. As the mid-term approached, I thought I was in good standing. I was prepared and just for insurance, I was planning an all nighter. Just then, I received an e-mail from a fellow student who had study notes from a student who took the class the previous year. When I saw all the material that was necessary, I realized I was ill prepared and an all nighter would be insignificant. I just tried to focus and study as hard as I could.
Then about 3:30 in the morning, I came to the conclusion there was not enough time and I was going to flunk the exam. Heavy hearted, I made my way up to our bedroom to break the news to my wife. I apologized and asked for her forgiveness that I would have to retake the class. She was extremely understanding and encouraged me that all things would work out in His time. Whew!!! All the weight of the world just disappeared. Not only did my wife understand but now I didn’t have to study anymore, I could get a nice night of sleep and take my time to get to school the next day to drop the class! But as I made my way down the stairs to close my books, another weight came upon me- conviction. I just knew quitting was not right. I sat back down and I was determined to study and go into the exam and take the test even though I knew I didn’t have a chance.
The next morning, I went into the class and prayed, not that God would do a miracle but that even though I would fail, God would be glorified in my pressing on. I took the exam and left the class encouraged by my effort. Next week the scores were posted. I looked at my name and I got a 92! I had tears just reflecting upon God’s faithfulness. This would be a lesson on faith that I would never forget, not that God will always promise to prosper me but that when I choose to honor Him, He will honor me (1 Samuel 2:30).
Beloved, God is not glorified in quitting nor will He honor quitters. Therefore, “Press on!” Just as Paul said, don’t let your past haunt you, to discourage you, press on. Unbelievers will always allow their past to effect their future, but not the believer, we have hope, not in hope itself but a hope in a forgiving God. Our past has been nailed to the Cross, therefore, “press on!” May you feel the pleasure of the Lord each day you press on! God bless.
Pastor Sung