My brother, Andre, found schoolwork to be a bit of a struggle. It seemed an ongoing battle year to year to earn enough credits to graduate. His guidance counselor advised him that he'd have to take a class in summer school in order to pass. When we'd talk, you could hear the tone of frustration and discouragement on every word. We could feel his weariness, yet we cheered him on and told him that his hard work would pay off. He and a friend went to register for summer classes. The hall at the local high school was packed with students all vying for the limited seats. The noise and heat beat down on them as they waited in line for their turn at the registration table. As the line slowly approached the registration table, Andre's friend became fidgety, nervously scanning the room. He started to walk backwards. Andre called out over the crowd, "Hey man, where you going? We're almost there." The young man reached out, slapped five with Andre and whispered, "Naw man, this ain't for me." He turned around and walked out. Andre kept looking in the direction of his friend. Should he stay and deal with these long lines and limited seats or go the way of his embattled friend? As he pondered his choice, a voice called out from the registration table, "Young man, you next?" Andre nodded and stepped forward. The following year, Andre earned his high school diploma.

Like Andre, the Apostle Paul was often met with difficult circumstances and challenges in his desire to build the early church. He admitted that with all his education and status, there were things that he did not understand. Yet in those times of uncertainty, he said, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing.I do. Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Life will often meet us with obstacles and difficulties that push like an ocean current against our desire to succeed and move ahead. We may error or stumble, but with God's strength, we can forge ahead with determination and reach our goals!
Prayer: Lord, the distance between our dreams and destiny can be long and weary. Yet we know that your accomplishment of our salvation gives us the encouragement we need to move forward. Help us to press on, everyday. Amen.