Only let us live up to what we have already attained. —Philippians 3:16

Do you ever feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps back? I do.*

Sometimes, I wonder how God can have such patience with me, for I continue to make the same old mistakes I always have. Instead of making progress, I feel like I am going backward.

But in reality, if we are seeking God, we are probably taking three steps forward and two steps back. Progress is slow. We aren’t always quick learners. But if we look closely, progress is being made.

There are some practical steps that we can take, in spite of our slow progress, to assure that we will not go backward in our journeys. The first step is to do exactly what we are doing now – study God’s Word! Psalms 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” As we spend time in His Word, we actually gain strength to continue on our journeys!

The second thing we can do is pray. Don’t worry about praying a lofty, pious prayer. God created us. He knows us better than anyone. We can just talk to Him – about everything! He is interested in every detail of our lives. He wants to hear about the big things, the little things, and all the in between things. He speaks to us through His Word, and we speak to Him through prayer.

The most important thing we can do is just keep going! Persevere. Don’t stop! Even though we may be panting for air, our sides may be hurting, and our feet have blisters, we need to keep running the race! Remember the prize for which we run. Ours is a race worth running.

Dear Father, Please help me to make progress as I seek to become the person You created me to be. Help me not to give up.

Amen

 

*This article was originally written/published by the author under the title “Making Progress.”