"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers, picture this: it’s fourth and goal, and your team is stuck in the end zone. The field has narrowed, the defenders are crowding in, and every move feels harder than the last. In football, the end zone is where games are won or lost—it’s the area where potential meets resistance, where execution counts the most, and where teams either rise to the challenge or fall short.
Now, think about your spiritual life. Does it feel like you’re stuck in your own “end zone”? Are you straining but unable to move forward? Are you wrestling with barriers that keep you from thriving as the man God has called you to be—a leader, a husband, a father, a warrior in His Kingdom? Spiritual stagnation can feel just like being in that end zone: so close to breakthrough but unable to push through.
But here’s the truth, brother: God doesn’t want you stuck. He calls you to press on, to strain forward, and to break through whatever is holding you back. Let’s explore how.
Recognizing the End Zone
Before we can clear the end zone, we have to recognize it. Spiritual stagnation doesn’t always hit us like a bolt of lightning. It often creeps in slowly, subtly. Here’s how it might look:
Complacency: You’ve stopped pursuing growth. Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship feel like chores rather than lifelines.
Discouragement: You’ve tried to move forward, but setbacks and failures have left you deflated.
Distraction: The demands of work, family, or personal ambitions have taken center stage, crowding out your relationship with God.
Isolation: You’ve pulled away from your brothers in Christ, trying to handle everything on your own.
These are signs you’re in the end zone. It’s where the enemy wants to keep you—stuck, frustrated, and ineffective.
Breaking Through the Barriers
The Apostle Paul knew what it felt like to face resistance. He had every reason to quit—beatings, imprisonment, betrayal—but he didn’t. Why? Because he kept his eyes on the goal. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize.”
Paul’s words give us a blueprint for breaking through spiritual stagnation:
1. Forget What Is Behind
Your past doesn’t define you, brother. Whether it’s past failures, sins, or even past successes, it’s time to let them go. Dwelling on what’s behind only slows you down.
Philippians 3:13 reminds us: “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.” This isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. Confess your sins to God, accept His forgiveness, and move forward.
2. Strain Toward What Is Ahead
Growth requires effort. Straining isn’t easy—it’s a deliberate, forceful action. It means pushing through discomfort, resistance, and fatigue. How do we do this?
Engage in daily prayer and Bible study. Even 10 focused minutes can reignite your connection with God.
Set spiritual goals. Whether it’s leading your family in prayer, joining a men’s group, or serving in your church, set a target and pursue it.
Surround yourself with godly men. Accountability and encouragement are vital.
3. Press On Toward the Goal
Your ultimate goal isn’t a better job, a bigger house, or even a perfect family. It’s Christ Himself. The prize is eternity with Him, and everything else pales in comparison. Keep your focus on the bigger picture.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Practical Steps to Clear the End Zone
Identify Your Barriers
What’s holding you back? Is it sin? Fear? Laziness? Write it down. Name it. Confess it to God and, if needed, to a trusted brother in Christ.Develop a Game Plan
Start small. Commit to a daily time with God, even if it’s just 5 minutes to start.
Join a community. Find a group of men who will challenge and support you.
Serve others. Sometimes the best way to grow is to focus on meeting the needs of others.
Stay in the Fight
Spiritual stagnation won’t break overnight. It takes perseverance. Commit to the long game, trusting that God is with you every step of the way.
A Challenge for You
Brother, the end zone is where champions are made. It’s where the fight intensifies, but it’s also where the greatest victories are won. God hasn’t called you to live stuck and frustrated—He’s called you to thrive, to lead, and to reflect His glory.
Take a moment today to reflect:
Where are you stuck?
What’s one step you can take this week to press on?
Who can you invite into your journey to hold you accountable?
Write down your answers. Pray over them. Then act. Don’t let the end zone keep you down. Press on toward the goal and claim the victory that is yours in Christ Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Matthew Adams
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