2023: Forgetting Things Which Are Behind, Pressing Toward The Goal

By Pastor Donnie Rosa

As I pray and reflect over the past year, with its regrets, successes, disappointments, failures, and victories, I can’t help but think on the words of Paul to the Philippian church:

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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV) 

As we stand at the precipice of a new year with Paul’s words in mind, it’s a fabulous time for a reset. Be determined not to allow yourself to be chained to the defeats or victories of 2022. Let’s refocus on what’s ahead and press toward the goal, God’s upward call, the destiny He has marked for us for 2023. Let’s strain and set our sights on the bullseye God has sovereignly placed as our destiny target. Not just the goals, possessions, and achievements of this world—they are all fading before our eyes and seem to slip through our hands.

You may be thinking, “How do I do this?” or “Is it even possible?” Well, it’s not possible in our own strength. However, we can achieve what God has designed for us by simply yielding to the Holy Spirit and taking practical steps of obedience. Remember He has already planned and mapped it out for us. 

It starts with being intentional. To achieve any of life’s goals, it is necessary to prepare and follow a strategic plan. If we don’t, we will find ourselves missing the mark and disappointed. No worries though, we all have been there. 

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a clear strategic plan to reach the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus: 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

First things first! Jesus gives us the key to not only fulfilling God’s will and plan for our lives, but drawing, like a magnet, everything we need. Sounds too simple, right? It is simple, but it takes work. If we intentionally, on a daily basis, prioritize our relationship with God as our number one focus, things will change. We can hit the bullseye, and what a joy our lives can be! 

Here are a few practical ways to prioritize our spiritual life and adhere to Jesus’s strategic plan for us. 

1. Pray and read our Bibles daily. 
2. Live a fasted life.
3. Attend weekly church services with our families.
4. Shine for Jesus, be a witness—yes, even on our jobs.
5. Yield to the Holy Spirit—follow Him, not our lower desires.

You got this! You don’t have to do it alone—we’re in this together Church, and the future looks bright.

Pastor Donnie Rosa is the senior pastor of Abundant Life Church in Whippany, NJ.

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