Charting Your Course-Three Keys to Navigating to Our Destination

Pastor Ellie 

6 minute read

God’s plan will stretch you.

This past week, when my husband had a last-minute change of plans, I attended an event on behalf of both of us, knowing that most people were expecting to meet Ryan. I walked up to a table, introduced myself to the man seated there, and told him about the journey that God had both me and my husband on. The man responded by laughing at me.

I responded with as much charm as I could muster and laughed with him, saying “I know! Can you believe it, isn’t this crazy?”

I went along with it, but I know that this is a time that God is stretching us.

In the journey of life, charting our course often means leaving behind the familiar, setting our sights on new horizons, and pressing forward with determination. In Philippians 3:7-14, the Apostle Paul shares three essential keys to navigating our course successfully. Let’s explore these keys and discover how they can guide us in our own journey of faith.

Key 1: Forgetting the Past

Paul begins by emphasizing the importance of forgetting what lies behind. He recognizes that dwelling on past successes or failures can hinder our progress. Just as a plowman must focus on the furrow ahead, so must you fix your gaze on the path before yourself. This requires letting go of past regrets and achievements to move forward unburdened by the weight of yesterday.

This act of “forgetting” doesn’t mean erasing your memories; rather, it signifies not allowing the past to define or confine you. We learn from our past experiences, both good and bad, but we don’t let them dictate our future. Dwelling on past failures can breed self-doubt and paralyze us with fear. Conversely, basking in past successes can lead to complacency, preventing us from exploring God’s opportunities. To move forward successfully, you must release the grip of yesterday’s successes and failures and open yourself to the unknown of God’s future.

Key 2: Reaching Forward

To chart a new course, you must stretch yourself beyond your comfort zones. Paul compares this to enlarging the place of your tent and lengthening your cords. God often calls you to expand your horizons, build relationships with new people, and explore uncharted territory. Reaching forward means embracing change, even when it challenges your existing boundaries.

Reaching forward requires a willingness to adapt and grow. It involves stepping into situations that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Just as a tent’s fabric must stretch to accommodate more space, you, too, must extend yourself to embrace new experiences. The concept of lengthening cords implies that you are securing your growth, ensuring that you don’t revert to your previous, more limited state. In your spiritual journey, reaching forward means seeking fresh revelations of God’s character and His plans for your life.

Key 3: Pressing Toward the Goal

The final key is the pursuit of a higher purpose. Paul encourages you to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This upward call represents God’s special purpose just for you. It’s the ultimate destination of your journey. To navigate your course successfully, you must keep our eyes fixed on this goal, continually striving to align your life with God’s will.

Pressing toward the goal implies determination and perseverance. It’s not a passive waiting for God’s will to unfold but an active pursuit of His purpose. Just as an athlete exerts every effort to reach the finish line, you must be diligent in your pursuit of God’s calling. Your journey may be filled with challenges and obstacles, but the prize of fulfilling God’s purpose for your life far outweighs any difficulties you’ll encounter.

Charting your course involves three essential keys: forgetting the past, reaching forward, and pressing toward the higher calling. As you let go of past burdens, embrace new challenges, and pursue God’s purpose, you will become more attuned to His leading. Just as a ship sets sail to explore uncharted waters, so too can you set forth in faith, knowing that with these keys, you’ll navigate toward the prize of God’s calling in your life. May these keys guide you as you chart your course and fulfill the purpose God has for you. Embrace the adventure, for in your journey, you will discover the depth of God’s grace and the richness of His plan for your life.