#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Hey, friend. It’s super normal to feel like you’ve let yourself down when you don’t meet your New Year’s resolutions. But let me tell you something: that feeling of failure? It’s not the end of your story. It’s just a chapter in the middle.
Apologetic Insight:
You know, the Apostle Paul had this incredible insight into life and faith. He wasn’t one to dwell on his past mistakes or missed opportunities. Instead, he had this forward-looking mindset. Here’s what he said: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
And guess what? This isn’t just about some spiritual goal. It’s about life. Greg Koukl, a modern apologist, puts it this way, “The Christian life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. The goal isn’t to finish first, but to finish well.” It’s about the journey, the growth, the learning, and the becoming.
Your New Year’s resolution isn’t a pass or fail test. It’s more like a roadmap to where you want to go. If you take a wrong turn, you just find your way back to the path. Your faith isn’t defined by your failures, but by your persistence in Christ.
Encouragement & Application:
Feeling like a failure isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s a sign you’re human. It’s an opportunity to lean into God’s grace, to learn, to grow, and to keep moving forward. Here are some practical steps to help you:
- Pray: Ask God for strength, wisdom, and the courage to keep going.
- Reflect: What did you learn from not meeting your resolution? What can you do differently next time?
- Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust, maybe a mentor or a friend who can encourage you.
- Reset: Remember, every day is a new chance to start again. Don’t wait for next New Year’s Eve.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Paul’s attitude towards his past and future in Philippians 3:13-14 speak to your current situation?
- What small step can you take today to move forward, even if you feel you’ve failed in the past?
Prayer:
Dear God, I come to You feeling like I’ve let myself down. Help me to see my missteps not as failures but as chances to grow closer to You. Give me the strength to keep going, to learn from my experiences, and to press on toward the prize of knowing You better. Thank You for Your grace that covers all my shortcomings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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