Today's post brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Philippians 3:12-14
New King James Version (NKJV)
Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This devotional was inspired by three people. The first is a wonderful new friend, who recently received some life changing news but is pressing on in spite of fear, anxiety and unwanted changes to her life style. Thanks Laurie!
The other is my daughter. She had a dream that people ridiculed her for. They said it was too big, impossible to attain. I watched as she made decisions at a young age to give up things that are important to most little girls; birthday parties, sleepovers, and as she got older dances and dates in pursuit of her dream. There were many failures and set backs along the way, but she rose every time, focusing on the goal, learning from the failures and then putting them behind her. A life changing injury prevented her from attaining the goal she was pursuing, but her faith in the LORD and the things He had taught her as she continually pressed on gave her the strength and courage to proceed in the new direction God had for her confident that He had her best in mind.
The third person is our own Dr. Diane Dike, who I am privileged to call my friend and sister in Christ. All who know Diane's story of triumph through trials are inspired by her. She does not let her illness stop her. She continues to accept new challenges trusting God to give her the strength that she needs for the task He has called her to even when others tell her she is crazy.
Each of us face our own challenges daily. Some are life-threatening, some are life-changing, some seem insignificant to others but gigantic to us. We have two choices always; trust the God  who was, is and always will be the One who created the universe, spoke things into existence and formed each one of us, or rely on self and become slaves to fear, anxiety, and doubt. The same God that gave David the courage to slay his giant Goliath will give you the courage to slay yours! I know! He has done, and continues to do, the same for me!  A runner who continually looks back to see who is catching him will stumble. If you drive looking in the rear view mirror you will run off the road or hit what is in front of you. The same is true in life. If you are constantly looking back you will fall. So look ahead! Keep your eye on the prize of the upward call of Jesus Christ!

Father, You spoke the world into existence, set every star in place, and created me! You know the plans you have for me; for good and not for evil, to give me a future and a hope! You are my shelter in the storms and my light in the darkness! You are my hope when things seem hopeless! Create in me a new heart! help me to remain focused in the goal and not to look back on what was or might of been! i know I only see a little of the picture and only You know all the dangers You have kept me from! Thank You LORD for having my best in mind, for giving me a way out when I am tempted beyond what I can bear and for loving me enough to pour out Your mercy and blessings on me! In Jesus precious, holy name, Amen!