Here's Cole "Tebowing" after he did press on! He made a touchdown!
“…but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13b-14
I grew up playing and watching sports. I have three brothers, there was no option. Then, I married a guy who was involved in sports when we were in high school. Now I have children who participate or have participated in baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, etc. Competitive activities are beneficial to many of life’s lessons. It doesn’t have to be just sports. I can think of numerous examples that would apply to today’s correlation, but I’m sticking with sports for now.
Mistakes are going to happen. I think of my son, Hunter, and cheering him on at games. If a foul was called on him on the basketball court, he had a choice. He could either get down on himself and pout which would cause a chain reaction for the next several plays in the game, or he could pick himself up, learn from the mistake (whether it was a good call or bad), and press on with great determination. Whatever choice he made at the time we were on the sidelines encouraging him to do his best.
This example has occurred many, many times over the course of watching any of my children compete in an activity. And I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of it.
Just last weekend at Cole’s flag football game, he had kid running towards him, he ran over to grab hold of the opponents flag to tear it off, reached for the flag, and watched it slip right through the palm of his hands. I could tell by the look on his face how disappointed he was. Tim and I were trying to encourage him from our seats to just get it next time. Should Cole sulk and let that one mistake get him down? No way! Brush it off, become even more determined to get the next flag, and press on to make sure that he redeems himself.
That is life! Apply it to whatever activity you choose. Apply it to your walk with Christ.
Let your past be your past. Put it behind you, learn from it, and try as hard as you can to strive to be more like Christ. God has a great prize waiting for us in Heaven. Finish your “competition” here on this earth with great determination for God.
Keep the end in mind and the great reward you will have. Press on! God is cheering you on the whole time. Go, my child, go!!!
Blessings to you.
| October 12, “Walking in the Word” |