Real Hope: Finding Hope Through the Life of PaulSmakprov

## Press On So often things of the past can hold us back. Issues that haven’t been resolved in the past are frequently a roadblock and a barrier to what God is doing in us right now. If only we could see what God can do in and through us, we would then desire to press on through. Paul understood that he had not arrived at the destination but rather was only beginning his journey. He was totally devoted to God, who had great plans for him. Paul was once a man who was dead-set on eradicating Christianity from the face of the earth. However, God’s love and power captured his heart and transformed him into His pure servant. Now, Paul assessed every aspect of his life, including all of his successes, aspirations and achievements, and decided that suffering alongside and for Jesus was more valuable than anything he could ever be on his own. Paul’s goals were changed by that encounter with Jesus; he was now completely dedicated to seeing the name of Jesus glorified in the world: ‘Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3:13–14 ESV). Paul’s entire life orientation was changed by the power of God. Pressing on and moving forward regardless of circumstances is of paramount importance. Don’t give up… stay in faith… keep pressing on. Taking one step at a time! #### Written by HEIDI WYSMAN