Week Twenty-Three, 2017

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

Ernest Shakleton was an early twentieth century English explorer who set out an expedition to cross the continent of Antarctica from sea to sea. While the team was there, the ship, appropriately named “Endurance” became trapped in pack ice and was crushed, thus causing them to have to spend the brutal winter there.

Shakleton worked with his team encouraging them to press on and endure their difficulties. The result was that they survived the winter and every member of the crew returned home safely. Shakleton’s leadership skills have been the focus on many management studies on how to lead, encourage and focus on the end from the beginning.

Perhaps Shakleton had read the writings of Paul, who in Philippians encouraged those at Philippi to press on toward the goal which “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Paul was an encourager for those to whom he spoke and wrote. If anyone had a reason to be discouraged, it was Paul. He lived and traveled under difficult circumstances. Having been taken from justice, even in his jail cell awaiting execution, he wrote to encourage others.

Paul knew the end from the beginning. He knew that no matter what happened to him, he would eventually see the face of Jesus. He encouraged those to whom he wrote to forget what is behind and strain towards the goal ahead.

How about you? Do you know when you cross the finish line of life, you will see the face of God? When you are discouraged, do you look behind or look forward? Like Paul, be an encourager to others and to yourself.

THOUGHT: As you travel through life, look on the positive side of things. Be an encourager for yourself and to others. Press on to that glorious day when you will personally see the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

PRAYER: Father, help me to look on the positive side of every situation in life no matter how tough it gets. Help me to press on to the upward calling of eternity with Jesus Christ. What a glorious day it will be! Help me to be an encourager to myself and to all I meet.

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