Pressing On

“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 3:14 (NLT)

No one laces up their shoes to drop out at mile three. We begin journeys—whether athletic, personal, or spiritual—with a vision of victory. As marathoner Meb Keflezighi once said, “Once you've committed yourself to something, pace yourself to the finish line.” Still, how many of us have felt tempted to quit? Discouragement, fatigue, distraction, disappointment—they chip away at resolve. But Scripture calls us not simply to run, but to press on.

When Paul speaks of “pressing on,” he writes from prison, not from a place of comfort or success, but from confinement. And yet his eyes are fixed forward, not on past failures or present pain, but on the “heavenly prize” ahead. For Paul, the race isn’t about pace—it’s about perseverance with purpose.

In life, pressing on might be continuing to show kindness, even when it goes unnoticed or unreturned. It’s the quiet choice to keep doing good, trusting God’s timing, as Galatians 6:9 reminds us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Spiritually, it means choosing trust when doubts shout louder, and praying when silence feels easier. In witnessing, it might mean faithfully showing up—even when results are unseen—trusting God to bring growth. Pressing on is not striving in our own strength, but walking daily with Christ, who empowers us to endure.

God doesn’t leave us to run alone. Hebrews 12 reminds us that we are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses,” and Jesus himself has already endured the cross to pave the way. The Spirit gives breath when we feel winded, grace when we’ve stumbled, and hope that lifts our gaze toward the finish.

Where are you tempted to slow your stride—or even step off the course entirely? In what area of life or faith do you hear the Spirit whisper, “Keep going—I’m with you”? Pressing on doesn’t mean never faltering. It means trusting the One who will finish the good work He’s begun in you.

Gracious God, thank You for calling us onward, even when the path feels steep. Give us endurance for today and hope for tomorrow. Strengthen our steps, guard our hearts, and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Help us press on in love, in trust, and in joyful obedience. In Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim