January 18, 2026 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

Cheryl Zamora

A reflection on Philippians 3:12–13 carries a kind of steady, forward-leaning energy that speaks to anyone who has ever felt “in progress.” Paul writes that he has not yet attained perfection, but he presses on. That honesty is refreshing. He doesn’t pretend to have arrived; he simply refuses to stay where he is.

Pressing Forward With Purpose – Paul’s words remind us that spiritual growth is not a moment but a movement. We know we’re not everything we want to be, so we must draw forward with God’s help.

 “Forgetting what is behind…”  isn’t about erasing memory. It’s about refusing to let the past—failures, regrets, even past successes—define our present. Yesterday’s mistakes don’t disqualify us, and yesterday’s victories don’t complete us. God also invites us to travel light.

 “…and straining toward what is ahead.” Growth requires intention. Paul uses the language of an athlete leaning toward the finish line. Faith isn’t passive; it’s a daily choice to move toward Christ, even when progress feels slow or invisible.

Paul’s confidence doesn’t come from his performance but from Christ’s call on his life. He presses on because Christ has already taken hold of him. Our journey is anchored in that same grace. We’re not striving to earn God’s love—we’re moving forward because we already have it. Let us pray that God will help us release what holds us back and lean into the future God is shaping us. Pray for courage to keep moving, even when we feel unfinished and pray that our life stretches towards God with hope and purpose.