Finish Strong

Read

Philippians 3:13–14 “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.”

Think

There’s a certain moment in every race where the crowd starts cheering louder, where the signs multiply, where your heart beats faster—not because you’re fresh, but because the finish line is close. That final stretch draws something out of you. It’s not about your legs anymore. It’s about your will.

In Philippians 3, Paul captures that feeling. But he isn’t talking about a literal race. He’s talking about the journey of faith. It’s long, difficult, filled with turns, hills, and unexpected detours. And yet, even from prison, Paul writes with urgency: “I press on.” He’s not coasting. He’s not relaxing into comfort. He’s straining toward something that matters more than anything else.

But before he looks forward, he says something bold: “One thing I do: forgetting what is behind.” That’s not easy. We live in a world addicted to backward glances. We relive old mistakes, rehearse old conversations, revisit failures and regrets like they’re still happening. Some people build entire identities around their past—either their pain or their success.

Paul had both. He had spiritual credentials that were unmatched, and a past marked by persecuting Christians. But he says neither will define his direction. Not the achievements or the shame. He lets it all go, so he can move forward without the extra weight.

This doesn’t mean he literally forgot. Memory is a powerful tool for learning, growth, and gratitude. But Paul isn’t living from the past. He’s living toward the future. He’s not focused on where he’s been. He’s fixed on where he’s going.

You’ve probably felt the pull of your past, too. Maybe it’s the voice of guilt, always reminding you of what you did or didn’t do. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity, a broken relationship, or a season where you drifted from God and feel like you’re still making up for it. Or maybe it’s comfort that’s keeping you stuck. You’ve had some spiritual wins and now you're cruising, no longer pressing forward.

But following Jesus is not about settling. It’s about straining forward. This isn’t a message of striving to earn his love. You already have that. This is about responding to grace with intentional effort. Because grace doesn’t make us passive—it fuels us to pursue.

Paul uses strong language here. “Straining” is the word. You can almost picture a runner leaning forward, arms pumping, lungs burning, not out of panic, but out of passion. That’s what finishing strong looks like. It’s not perfect form. It’s focused effort.

Sometimes finishing strong means saying yes to something you’ve been avoiding. Forgiving someone you’ve kept at a distance. Returning to a place in your faith that once felt alive. Sometimes it’s less about speed and more about direction.

Maybe this year has been a slow stretch. Maybe spiritually, you feel like you’re walking instead of running. Or maybe you started strong, but got distracted by things that promised more than they delivered. Maybe you’ve been comparing your race to others, wondering why their journey looks easier or more exciting.

That’s why Paul’s words matter. He’s not running someone else’s race. He’s not reaching for someone else’s finish line. He knows what’s been entrusted to him, and he refuses to let the past rob him of what God still wants to do.

The prize isn’t comfort. It’s Christ. That’s the goal. To know him more. To be conformed to his image. To bring glory to God with our one short life. That’s worth leaning into. That’s worth the strain.

You don’t have to run faster. You just have to keep going. Faithfulness is not a sprint. It’s a lifetime of daily “yes” decisions. Wake up. Surrender again. Take the next right step. Choose forgiveness. Speak the truth. Serve without needing credit. Resist what’s easy. Lean into what matters. Press on.

And if you’re tired, remember this: your strength was never supposed to come from you anyway. The Spirit gives power to the weary. Jesus is not just cheering you on. He’s running with you. He’s the one who endured the cross, scorning its shame, and now he stands at the finish line with scars that guarantee your victory.

You will not finish this race alone. And you’re not too far behind to run strong now. God doesn’t waste a slow start or a messy middle. He’s after your heart, not your pace.

Start where you are. Lift your eyes. Take the next step. Finish strong.

Apply

Think about one area in your life where you’ve been coasting—maybe in your prayer life, relationships, spiritual habits, or obedience. This week, choose one specific way to re-engage. Sign up to serve, set your alarm ten minutes earlier to pray, or reach out to someone who’s been on your heart. Take one intentional step forward.

Pray

Jesus, thank you that I don’t run this race alone. You’re with me, strengthening me, and calling me forward. Help me stop looking back with regret or pride. I want to finish strong. Give me clarity, courage, and endurance for the steps ahead. Keep me focused on you—the prize, the goal, the reason I run. In Jesus’ name. Amen.