22nd July 2026

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV

This was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome.

Paul had every reason to dwell on his past and feel guilty day and night because, in the name of God, he had put many believers to death. He persecuted the church so violently that he destroyed families, displaced many people, and even sought to wipe the followers of Christ from the face of the earth. Yet, following his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), he completely changed direction—from a persecutor of the church to a preacher of the Gospel. He openly confessed and repented of his sins.

Paul could never have fulfilled his calling if he had remained trapped in his past, drowning in guilt and constantly revisiting his mistakes and sins.

It is evident that Paul made a deliberate effort to leave the past behind. He forgot what was behind, stretched forward, strained, pressed on, and persevered toward the goal, determined to finish the race and receive the heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.

Paul’s vision was greater than his sins and failures. He fully understood the finished work of the cross, the power of God’s grace, and the eternal reward that awaited him. It could not have been easy to overcome the hurt and guilt of his past, yet the Bible simply says, “I press on.” Paul chose not to allow his past to define his future because his eyes were fixed on the heavenly prize.

This word comes as an encouragement to us. The reward is far greater for those who choose to press on and move forward than for those who remain bound by yesterday. The help we need is available through the Holy Spirit and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. All we need is a willing heart that desires to leave the past behind and focus on the prize. Everything that distracts us from attaining that prize is merely a distraction.

Put forth the effort and make the decision to leave behind the hurt, the pain, the sins, the failures, the accidents, and the incidents of the past. Stretch a little, strain a little, and press on. The prize waiting for you is far greater than the pain you leave behind.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and for the grace that gives us a new beginning. Help us to leave behind every hurt, failure, guilt, and sin that weighs us down. Strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit to press on with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on the heavenly prize. May nothing distract us from the purpose You have for our lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.