I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
(Philippians 3:14-16 NLT)
At some point in each one’s life a threshold is crossed, which becomes the point of no return. Though things don’t get easier by faith you know your future is in what lies ahead not behind so you press on toward the mark. I cannot say where that point is in another one’s life but in my own life it came as my spirit hungered for more of Christ Jesus yet my flesh would not let go of things that brought comfort. It was a grand collision and the result of it was finding myself in a place where there was no hope but for God, my flesh surrendered, and my spirit strengthened, and by faith I walked through the rubbish holding Jesus’ hand.
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.
(Philippians 3:8-9 NLT)
I no longer concern myself with my own ability to keep the law, for when I did condemnation was my companion and eventually hopelessness overtook me but with each new day I draw closer to Jesus; Paul said, “I become righteous through faith in Christ.” My eyes have been taken off of self and fixed on Christ, forgetting what is behind and focus on what lies ahead.
I’ve heard of Christian leaders, some pastors, some evangelist, and others who after proclaiming Christ’s name fell away but with each case these spiritual leaders took their eyes off of Christ, which opened the door to doubt, and faith was let lose, almost as if faith was never present in their lives. For these struggle with faith more so than those who never believed.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
It’s as if they walked a spiritual tight rope and in doubt looked down, for the fear in that individual is greater than the fear in the person that never left the ground. We cannot walk that tight rope on our own, it takes more than we can give. Jesus gave all so that we might follow Him but we can only do that by faith in Him. Knowing that God is love and if God calls out to us to come then He will make a way but we must forsake all else, for we cannot go where He is calling us while holding onto the things that used to bring us comfort.
A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple. I will exalt You, LORD, for You rescued me. You refused to let my enemies triumph over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. You brought me up from the grave, O LORD. You kept me from falling into the pit of death.
(Psalms 30:1-3 NLT)
