Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 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. Philippians 3:12-14

God’s will can be accepted and fulfilled. We must fight through the incredible discouragement that tries to numb us as we go through life, and press toward the upward call. It’s a fight worth fighting. There is breakthrough on the other side of the mountain, a reward at the end. You are not designed to be just in maintenance mode, but you are called to impact the world.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also 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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3

This amazing verse tells us in no uncertain terms that God has set a race before us. Fixing your eyes on Jesus will give you the crystal clear vision to fulfill God’s will. Let your heart become filled with the Word of God. It’s our job to get before the Lord and, like Paul, ask, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6b KJV). And keep asking. Be faithful to lay aside every encumbrance—all the ridiculous challenges and trials, the distractions and hindrances, the vision-blurring junk, the sin that so easily entangles us.

There are people out there who need our obedience, who need our tenacity. Just as Jesus and Paul fulfilled the Father’s plan, it’s our turn now. God is looking for a breed of people who won’t back down, to commission us as partners to carry the Gospel. God wants to use the church as a launching pad to the nations through all kinds of avenues—we are just scratching the surface now. So lay aside the restraints and press on to the upward call.

I (Paul) have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

I (Jesus) glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. John 17:4

I trust You, Lord, to bring all Your plans to pass.
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[One of the scribes asked] “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, o Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28b-31

Nothing matters more than making Jesus a priority. God wants you to finish stronger than when you started. He is more interested in your fruitfulness over the long course than in some little blip of what people call “success” followed by a faltering dead end. Even those of you who don’t suspect it or who are dealing with cynicism—God has a plan for your life, and He is doing something in your world.

Church is a launching environment for us to become thinking disciples of Jesus, loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In this life we will go through the fire, but as we follow God, we will bear much fruit.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

God does not show partiality. He values you (Acts 10:34-35), so seek the Lord and listen for His voice. He wants to download vision into your spirit. He will lead and guide you in His plans. Maybe you need to take a vacation day and fast and pray. Get a legal pad and have the audacity to write down what you are believing God for. Make sure it’s biblical. Expect God’s will to come to pass. When the will of God is known, faith will rise.

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

You may not have it figured out, but God has it all figured out. When you find out what His will is, get after it! There are other people attached to your obedience, and God wants to do some amazing things through you.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.