Running From the Past
Lent on the Run — Day 9:
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal, but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold of it, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us, then, who are mature think this way, and if you think differently about anything, this, too, God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
— Philippians 3:12-16
Pressing On…
Runners know the tension between where we’ve been and where we’re going. The past can be a helpful guide, but it can also be a weight. The key is knowing when to glance back and when to keep moving forward.
In high school, my coach drilled it into us—don’t look over your shoulder mid-race (or really at any point. It breaks momentum, throws off efficiency, and messes with focus. But at the elite level, runners sometimes check the video board—a quick glance up that informs without distracting. That’s the difference. Looking back should help us move forward, not hold us back.
Paul gets it. He knows he hasn’t arrived yet—none of us have. But he’s not dwelling on what’s behind him. He’s pressing forward, chasing after what God has ahead (Philippians 3:12-14). Regret, shame, even nostalgia can keep us stuck when God is calling us to move.
Lent, especially, is the time to let go of what’s weighing us down and step into grace.
But here’s the thing—this race isn’t just about us. Paul challenges those who are mature in faith to keep this mindset and help others do the same (v. 15-16). A strong runner isn’t just focused on their own race—they’re also encouraging those around them to keep going.
Forward progression is about understanding what could hold us back.
So, what’s holding you back? A failure? A version of yourself you’re afraid to leave behind? Maybe it’s time to shed that weight and run free. And as you press forward, don’t forget to look around—who needs your encouragement to keep moving?
God’s not waiting for you in the past. God’s up ahead, calling you forward. Eyes on the prize. Keep running.
Lent Photo-A-Day
For the Whole Series
Don’t forget their will be no devotion on Sunday, keep tuned in for the series to continue on Monday.
