We often pray for better and wish for better, but our pressing should include a strong foundation in a relationship with God. We should also be concerned about our eternal resting place. It is important to know that there is a place far greater than the troubles we face day to day.

“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 and to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14)”.

Paul teaches us that as anointed as he was, he had not arrived. Though Paul had not arrived he kept on pressing. Paul endured a lot. Before his encounter with God he persecuted Christians. He also went on a journey during his encounter with God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) These things did not stop Him from striving to do what God called him to do. He was preparing to be with God eternally.

Pressing higher and seeking God’s purpose can be hard. God orders our steps when we seek Him and allow Him to work in our lives. There is more to life than what we want. What God wants for us is more important.

Life throws many curves and road blocks. It can feel like we will never reach what we know God has called us to. We can began to feel we are too broken to do what God is asking of us. When we look at Paul we are looking at an anointed man who faced many moments of brokenness and hardships. Eventhough this is true he continued to teach and write God’s word for who he was called to.

Pressing through life is a challenge for all of us. Life does not stop for anyone. No matter how much money you have or how spiritual you might be hard times will come. As things happen to us we can begin to feel like pressing through life is worthless.

Paul did not allow his past or his current situation to determine his walk with God. No matter what we go through we must keep our eyes on God. Paul was not saying pressing was easy. He was saying he pressed no matter the circumstances.

No matter the struggle press toward the higher mark God is calling you to. God has greater on the other side.