Pressing on Toward the Goal

What a sermon this week! Let me say this, though: do not be discouraged or dismayed. There are so many people who are in need because we don't talk about a healthy sex life in the church. Please talk with us if this is something you want accountability with or advice: we're here to serve you!
Philippians 3:13-14 says this, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward to Christ Jesus." My wife and I have started training for the 2011 Disney marathon in January. If I know any feeling besides the pain and joy of pounding the asphalt minute after minute, it is that of the last mile. It doesn't matter if I've run 3 miles or 18 miles: When I know I am at the last mile, I get a slight spring in my step. I feel lighter. My brain tells me I am happier, though my body may be aching from hours of torture. That last mile, I forget everything that was behind me in the race (and everything else going on in lfe) and I strain for the end. My body gets excited to finish that last bit and to taste the victory of crossing the finish line.
That's what Paul is talking about here. When we know what we are running the race of life for, we strain towards it like there is nothing else in the world going on. And there is no greater feeling than collapsing in the arms of Christ Jesus through stressful and difficult times! Be encouraged wherever you are in your race, that we are all racing together to do the work of Jesus. Keep running!