A New Kind of Striving – October 7, 2026

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20261007fam.mp3

Listen to Devotion

Read: Philippians 3:12-21

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. Philippians 3:13-14

A New Kind of Striving

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Forgetting what is behind . . .” How could Paul say that? Don’t you think he remembered how he had treated Christians? He had dragged believers off to prison because they followed Jesus. He had a lot behind him!

How could you ever forget what is behind you? Maybe you still remember something mean you said or something good you should have done but didn’t. You wish you could go back and change it. How can you leave that behind? Not by pretending it never happened. You can bring it to Jesus. He took your sin to the cross and rose again. Because of him, God forgives you. A full cross on Calvary and an empty tomb on Easter are his guarantee. In Christ, salvation is a gift given, not a bargain struck.

That gospel truth brought Paul to strive in a different direction. Previously he persecuted Christ’s church (Philippians 3:6); now he pressed on because Christ had taken hold of him (Philippians 3:12). Paul even uses the same word for “persecuting” and “pressing on.” What changed his direction? Jesus, who died and rose for Paul—and for you.

“Forgetting what is behind . . .” How can you? Because the same Jesus who forgave Paul is the Jesus who rescued you from your sins. His forgiveness frees you to stop looking backward in fear. You can look ahead and ask, “How can I show Jesus’ love today?” Maybe you can include someone who feels left out, tell the truth when it’s hard, or help without being asked.

Paul pressed on because Jesus had already made him his own. You belong to Jesus, too. And as you follow him now, you can look forward to the day he returns and makes all things new. That’s a new kind of striving.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, when I keep thinking about something wrong I’ve done, help me forget what you have placed behind me because of your undeserved love! Help me press on to be who you’ve declared me to be—a forgiven, beloved child of God. In your name. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Was Paul kind to Christians before Jesus changed his life?
• Who forgives you when you do something wrong?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why does the devil love to remind us of our sins and shortcomings?
• What does it mean to bring a sin you remember to Jesus instead of pretending it didn’t happen?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Paul says he has not “already arrived” (verse 12). How does that help you when you’re discouraged by a sin you keep struggling with?
• What is the difference between pressing on to earn a place with Jesus and pressing on because Jesus has taken hold of you?

Download Family Devotions