Read: Philippians 3:13-14; Exodus 33:12-15

Life is compared to a race or athletic competition in many places in scripture. In this passage, Paul says that forgetting what is behind is a prerequisite to pressing in to finish the race so he might receive the heavenly prize Jesus Christ has prepared for him.

• What is the biggest obstacle in your life that would prevent you from pressing in to reach the end of the race? Are you tempted to take a water break – like for a few years?
• I ran in two half marathons with a good friend of mine. Thirteen plus miles is grueling and many times along the way I would have just clapped it out except for one thing: my companion. She kept me moving. She was an experienced runner and knew how easily it would be for me to give up.
  • Who is your running companion? Do you have someone you can share the highs and lows with? Someone who will keep you going when you just want to sit down for a little bit.
• In the Exodus reading, Moses was also concerned about who his traveling companion would be on the journey into the Promised Land. Notice Moses’ boldness in verse 13.
  • Can you be that bold and open before Jesus?
• Read again Moses’ declaration in verse 15.
  • Do you believe that it is the presence of God in our lives that sets us apart from the world around us?
    
  • Read Jesus’ words about being set apart in John 13:35. What will prove to the world that we are his disciples?

Truth is, we can’t do this journey alone. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion. Just as Moses said he wasn’t going one step without the presence of God going with him, we need the presence of God so we can press in and finish well.

Prayer:

Father, I want to know your ways and understand you more fully. I need you to walk this journey with me. There is nothing that sets me apart as your child except the Spirit of God in my life. Please go before me in everything. Because of Jesus, Amen.