My aunt said something to me today that was so profound. She said that when it comes to our jobs, we press through whatever issues we are dealing with in our personal lives so that we can earn money and keep our positions. She raised the question, “Why can’t we do that when it comes to the Kingdom?”For the past few months, I can honestly say that I’ve come up with all kinds of excuses as to why I haven’t done some of the things that I know God’s called me to do in this season. I have allowed the stresses and cares of this world to distract me from my purpose in God. In fact, I’ve been so distracted and stressed that I’ve felt extremely overwhelmed by all that is going on in our lives. I’ve been consumed with worry over my husband’s health, my son’s well-being and managing my day-to-day responsibilities. However, when my aunt asked me why I’ve been able to press through it all to perform on the job while making excuses at home or in my ministerial endeavors, I had an “ah ha” moment.

Philippians 3:14 (NRSV), “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul made this statement because he placed a high value on finishing the work that Jesus called him to and obtaining the heavenly reward. He compared obtaining the high calling in Christ Jesus to a race. As a runner presses through any challenges or obstacles to win the race, so should we as believers to finish the course. As a runner focuses him or herself on the finish line, so should we as Christians keep our eyes stayed on Jesus and run the race with blinders on to expel any distractions that may hinder us. Our value should be placed on finishing the race and the reward that is Christ Jesus.

Every day I have to remember that in my roles as wife, mother and minister, the goal is the same—to know Christ and to become like Him. The goal is to be the woman who God says I am and do all that He has purposed me to do at home, in church and in the world. If I value reaching the heavenly goal, then I must press. I must press through the past disappointments, the pain, fear, worry, doubt, distractions, depression, and whatever may hinder me from finishing the race. I am recommitting myself today to pressing through it all and finishing the race.

What’s holding you back? Whatever it is, keep pressing and finish the race. The reward will be worth it in the end.

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