Day 9

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

from the Philippians reading plan


Philippians 3:12-16, Romans 8:28-30, 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Colossians 3:1-4

BY Guest Writer

There’s a quote attributed to Maya Angelou that somehow gives comfort to my inner critic: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” I’m not sure if these are actual words written by Dr. Angelou or if it’s one of those quotes that has been passed around so much on Instagram nobody knows the true source. But wherever it comes from, I like it. Something in it resonates with me, an echo of much-needed grace.

I’d like to think this is a message someone in the church at Phillippi needed to hear when Paul’s letter came to town. In Philippians, Paul isn’t writing to correct an issue or fight a dangerous teaching. Instead, he’s sent an extended thank-you letter, a note of encouragement, and a rally to keep going.

Metaphors about running races and winning prizes aren’t all that unusual in Paul’s writing, but if we look a bit more closely, we’ll find the words of a gentle, loving coach here. His letter to the Philippians includes a heartfelt thank you for their support, and the reminder that there is still so much work to do for the kingdom (Philippians 1:21–24). He points to Jesus’s obedience unto literal death as the ultimate example of humility (Philippians 2:8), a stark contradiction to his own list of credentials for “confidence in the flesh,” which is enough to make any zealous striver or recovering perfectionist wither. It’s also a false confidence Paul now recognizes as utterly empty (Philippians 3:4–6). His priorities have changed.

Yes, there is work. There is effort. There is a goal to pursue, a race to run, a job to do (Philippians 3:12–13). But look for the grace between the words: there is no striving in his words. Paul calls this way of thinking a mark of maturity—the realization that all we need is God. This is not the anxious striving to appease an angry Father. This is not fearfully walking on eggshells. Instead, Paul appeals to his readers’ identity as “citizens of heaven,” and encourages them to “live up to whatever truth we have [already] attained” (Philippians 1:27; 3:16).

And so, there is the tension: to work hard for God’s purposes, but trust that Christ has taken hold of us. To embrace our identity as kingdom citizens, while knowing we won’t live this life perfectly, nor could we ever earn our way back into a right relationship with God. To be content where we are while seeking to grow, and trusting that when the time is right, the Holy Spirit will reveal truth and nudge us in the direction that will lead us to look more like Jesus. “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,” we learn to pursue the ultimate prize: Christ Jesus Himself (Philippians 3:13–14).

We grow. We learn. We know better. We do better. Until the day we step into the kingdom and the breeze on our faces feels like home.

Jen Rose Yokel is a poet, writer, a spiritual director in training, and a contributing writer at The Rabbit Room. Originally from Central Florida, she now makes her home in Fall River, Massachusetts, with her husband Chris. Some of her favorite things include used bookstores and good coffee. You can find more of her writing at jenroseyokel.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jen_rose.

Post Comments (41)

41 thoughts on "Reaching Forward to God’s Goal"

  1. Cait says:

    Jen, this is a beautiful and well-written devotional, and one that I didn’t know that I needed until now. It’s one of the best devotionals I’ve read from this site, and I can’t wait to check out more of your work!

    I’m at a very low place in my life. I’ve been struggling, to say the least, for over a year now and I want to give up and not be, unfortunately. I find comfort in verses like Galatians 6:9 and Romans 8:35-37, but it’s hard. So hard. Today was a day where I felt like I was being squeezed in a tight corner with no way out, and I didn’t know how to escape, and I didn’t know how to be vulnerable to those who need to know and who I need to help me. Thankfully, I’ve been able to recenter, but this devotional was what I needed. I just clicked on this site, just to see what book they were covering, and this title really caught my attention. So, thank you Jen, and the rest of the SRT team for discussing about hope and not giving up no matter the circumstances.

    Fun fact, Maya Angelou did in fact say this quote! In her Super Soul podcast, Oprah mentions that this is one of her daily mantras that Angelou told her in person once about a difficult situation she went through and the choices she makes. “When you know better, you do better.” And honestly, it’s a really great spiritual mantra for all of us. When we come across a verse that speaks to us, that calls us to acknowledge and repent of our sins, when we are urged to correct a wrong we made, “when you know better, you do better.” I once assumed that a friend who wanted to have a serious conversation with me was going to say, that I spoke first and I unintentionally strained our friendship for a bit because I let my fear speak for me. I soon came across a proverb that said a fool is quick to speak but a wise man listens, and I realized that I was that fool and that I should have been patient. Now that I know better, I do better.

    So many people in the Bible have these revelations about their mistakes and with spiritual help and a supportive community, they were able to learn and do better, like Paul.

    Woof, didn’t think I would write so much, so thank you for those who did get here.

  2. Natasha R says:

    God’s message to me today: Move forward, don’t look back. Focus on Me and don’t get distracted by your past or by earthly things. Work with the knowledge and capacities you have now, they are enough. Be grateful for where you are at this point. As you move forward, I will reveal more truth to you and at My perfect time. You have all you need.

  3. Andrea Whitmer says:

    Today has been my favorite so far in the study. I’m feeling very encouraged as I’m reminded there is a higher goal and purpose for me to focus on – all the other stuff in my life is just stuff!

  4. Cynthia Johnston says:

    Truth is a Person!♥️

  5. Beth S says:

    My church youth group is called ALIVE student ministries. ALIVE stands for Always Living In View of Eternity. Our youth pastor has been teaching our teens about progressive sanctification and what specifically it looks like to like our lives with eternity in view. And even though his lessons are aimed at our teens, even I (as one of the leaders) continue to learn new truths to apply to my life. It is so encouraging to remember that even though I still make mistakes He keeps drawing me closer to Him. He will continue to work in me and work on me until the day I meet Him face to face. Just like Philippians 1:6 promises. Not by my strength, but in His. As I learn more and know better, He can help me do better. Praise Him!

  6. Jessica Nicolas says:

    “Be content where you are while seeking to grow.. ” I needed that thank you! ♡ God is FOREVER FAITHFUL!

  7. Maura says:

    He is the Truth. I also struggled with this translation. So thankful for Jesus, the Truth. Praying right now for those teens and twenties that are about to start life that are being attacked by lies and temptations to draw them into not even starting the race, but giving their life instead toward addictions of all sorts and the belief that seeking pleasure is the goal. Please pray with me that our kids, sons, daughters, nieces, nephew’s would seek and find the Truth and be protected from thoughts of suicide, and taking drugs that will tie up their lives in knots so they don’t have the ability to run the race. May our Truth be so visible to others that God is seen for His glorious beauty and light. Hugs Sisters may we Know He is Life and loves us beyond measure. So blessed by all y’all.

    1. Sandi Wellnitz says:

      Praying.

  8. Mari V says:

    Correction from my comment yesterday.
    My senior quote was actually Philippines 3:14.
    I noticed that once I was reading it this morning. Philippians 4:13 is now my life verse. I’m anticipating reading that chapter with all of you.

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