On Sunday morning, I was between services when a proud family member shared a picture of Brad Adamcik crossing the finish line of a 100-mile race. That’s not a typo: One HUNDRED Miles! He was cheered on by friends who have completed marathons (which I always thought was such a huge event in itself). I can remember watching the first “Ironman” triathlon on TV when I was in high school and being stunned by the 2-mile swim, followed by the 110-mile bike ride, culminating in a 26.2-mile run. Each of these events was foreign to us just a few decades ago, but now we believe that we have the capacity for more. Because we BELIEVE that capacity is possible, we pursue it.

Do you believe we have the capacity for pursuing a godly life? I see our culture and the evidence that few believe that kind of life is within reach, even remotely. I see Christians who settle for a shadow of the Jesus life rather than pursue a powerful, joyful Jesus life. We do get weary in heavy seasons, we do get disappointed and surprised by other people, and we all have days when we fail. But throughout the New Testament letters, you see encouragement to continue walking with Christ and to finish the race.

Paul wrote to the Philippians: ¹² I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

My friend Krista pressed on to complete a triathlon. My friend Kasey has completed multiple marathons. Brad pressed on for 24 hours to complete his 100-mile race. And I intend to press on in the years ahead, continuing to pursue Jesus and experience His goodness both now and in eternity.

Are YOU pressing on?