Keep Climbing

September 30, 2025

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," Philippians 3:13

A mountain climber was attempting to reach the summit of a mountain that would have been the highest he had ever climbed. As he began his journey up the mountain everything was going well, but after while he hit some rough places on the mountain. This climber trying not to let the rough spots get to him, kept inching his way up the mountain trying to make it to the top. Up and over many difficult places in the mountain he climbed, and as he could see the peak in view, he cut his leg on a piece of the mountain, and it began to bleed. The climber was close to his goal of reaching the top, and he had a decision to make, to go back down or to keep climbing despite the pain. The climber decided he was too close to turn around and despite the pain pressed his way to his goal of the summit of the mountain. So many times, in life we are like this climber we can see our goal, but then something happens and we have to make a choice to keep going or to give up. The Scripture reminds us that Paul says he has not yet apprehended, but one thing he does, is forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching to those things which are in front. I encourage you today that although you may not have apprehended some things, you keep reaching towards those things which are before you. Although you may feel like some things have passed you by, keep reaching forward. It does not make a difference what you have been through, forget those things which are behind you, and reach forward for those things which are in front of you. Life may have knocked you down one time or another, but remember your best days are in front of you. There is not one thing you change about yesterday, but you sure can change your today and tomorrow. Do not ever go backwards in life, for you already know what is behind you, but keep moving forward with The Lord by your side and remember He will see you through. I am forgetting those things which are behind me, and I am reaching forward to those things which are before me, because I know my best days are yet to come. This is why I can boldly proclaim, "It's My Year To Get My Thing From My God!"

Prayer:

Lord, no matter what I may have to go through I know that you have great things in store for my life. I am determined to keep reaching forward and forget those things that are behind me. Thank you Lord for having my back, front, and side and always surrounding me with your goodness, grace, mercy, and love. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY