“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 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.” Phil 3:12-14
Rarely do we find great achievers clearly explaining what made them. Paul wasn’t ashamed to describe his struggle and victory. To the Romans, he explained the struggle with the flesh and the secret to victory (Rom 7:14-25); in Timothy, he elucidated the conflict without and the guide to navigate (2 Tim 3:12-17). Truly, Paul explained in several ways that the empowering work of the Holy Spirit involves a dynamic relationship between God and the individual, where divine grace intersects with human effort to bring about transformation and growth. It is truly an encouragement to me. Just as Paul started his letter, we read yesterday (Phil 1:4-7), he is concluding it, encouraging you!
Keep the faith and don’t give up! Trust in God, who stands ready to work alongside you through His Spirit. Your journey towards becoming more like Jesus is worth every effort. Remember, the empowering work of the Holy Spirit is a partnership between God and you, where divine grace meets human determination to bring about transformation and growth.
When you feel lost or uncertain, know that the Holy Spirit is there to guide you. Just as Jesus promised, the Spirit of Truth will lead you into all understanding and reveal what lies ahead. “But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13:
So, lean into prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and seek God’s will with confidence, knowing that He freely gives wisdom to those who ask. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
Take heart, for the Spirit within you is not timid but powerful, loving, and self-disciplined. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:7
With God’s strength and courage, you can confront your weaknesses head-on, knowing that He goes before you and will never leave you. As he said to Joshua, God is saying to you, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Jos 1:9
Allow the Holy Spirit to work within you, shaping your character and moulding you into the likeness of Christ. It’s a beautiful journey of transformation, where God’s plan is to conform you to the image of His Son. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Rom 8:29. As you embrace this process, you’ll find yourself aligning more closely with the virtues of love, patience, and self-control described in Gal 5:22–23.
So, press on with perseverance and faith, knowing that the Spirit is at work within you, transforming you from glory to glory. The Bible says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor 3:18. You are not alone on this journey. God is with you every step of the way, empowering you to overcome obstacles and grow into the person He created you to be.
As you press on towards the goal, may the Holy Spirit strengthen you. Be strong and courageous, knowing God is always with you. May He transform you with His Spirit, conforming you to Christ’s image and empowering you to overcome every obstacle. Amen.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk