Pressing On in the Process

As I check my computer for recent medical test results, I am in shock. I look at the document and then look again, hoping that I am not seeing what I am seeing.

I thought I was prepared. I have known for years that I have genetic risk factors from both my parents for conditions that are life changing. I also have known that there are things I could do to be preventative – or so I thought.

Yet all my planning, prepping, and clean living have not been enough. Being diagnosed with both prediabetes and osteoporosis has shaken me right through the core. I watched both my parents suffer immensely from these conditions. I really don’t want to go there.

As is my way, I have gone on a hunt to be as well informed as I can about both conditions. I want to face them head on and avoid as many bad effects from them as I can. I can see it will take perseverance and effort to make a difference in my health. It is not something that I can ever stop being vigilant about.

I have my moments when I want to give up. In all honesty, I am tired of watching my diet, etc. I just want to live like other people.

The Apostle Paul has every reason to want to give up. He faces immense opposition and persecution as he proclaims the Gospel message to the Early Church. Paul doesn’t have an easy time of it, on any front.

In the midst of all he is going through, Paul writes these words:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12 NIV)

Paul sees the Christian life as a process – a process that is not complete until we reach our heavenly home someday. While Paul is well versed in the Christian life, he here acknowledges that it is a growing process for him, as it is for all of us.

What Paul speaks of in this Scripture verse is an essential core part of our faith. It is not our striving that gains us salvation. Jesus already did the saving work. He took hold of all our sins and iniquities and destroyed them forever with His death and resurrection.

We are asked to take hold of our Lord’s loving hand and let Him lead us. Yes, we will have to “press on”. The Christian walk is not an easy one. It does take effort on our part to maneuver through it as we seek to follow the path Jesus wants for us. We do not, however, have to manage on our own. Our Lord gives us all the resources we need to be successful. It is important that we continue to seek the Lord’s direction for our lives. It is a lifetime process of taking hold of our Lord and letting Him guide us.

While I am very disheartened today, I do recognize that there is hope. There are things I can do to improve my health, and by God’s grace I can hopefully be successful. It is the same in our Christian walk. The road might be strewn with various landmines, but ultimately our Lord will take us through safely to the other side.

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