"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

Some people seem to think all their spiritual struggles should end the moment they become a Christian. Others have trouble letting go of their past, allowing past sins to envelope them with shame, guilt and a sense of abiding failure. Neither of these viewpoints are healthy - or scriptural. The respected apostle Paul still had daily spiritual struggles (1 Cor. 9:27). But, he would not be immobilized by his past sins of which he had been forgiven in Christ (1 Tim. 1:12-16). Christians press onward and upward to seize the prize of victory. Paul remained faithful to God's call, confident of faith's triumph in Christ Jesus. He would not be disappointed (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Like him, let us strive daily with the full energy of faith to press forward in the cause of Christ, ever-diligent, ever-faithful. The eternal prize is before us. Victory in Christ is assured.