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…
Philippians 3:13 NIV
Straining
A 2024 report on Canada’s health care system is shedding light on how a shortage of family doctors and other primary health-care providers is putting a strain on access to timely health care in Canada and contributing to crowding in the country’s hospital emergency rooms. The report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information says developing a better understanding of why patients are showing up in the ER provides a window into the shortcomings of Canada’s health care system. The Institute defines primary care as including family doctors, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, social workers, and other front-line health care workers.
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I love watching the 100-metre run in the Olympic Games. These are the fastest runners in the world. Watch closely and you will see them strain every muscle in their bodies, wanting to be first to cross the line. The apostle Paul uses this analogy when speaking about the Christian life. In Philippians 3:13: “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 towards what is ahead…” If we are going to cross the finish line, we need to drop everything in our lives that would stand in the way. The picture here is throwing off any entanglement, any temptation, any threat that gets in the way of running the race called the Christian life. Let your heart be encouraged today. You’re not alone in the race. God’s grace empowers your steps, and His love draws you forward. Keep pressing on. The prize isn’t just at the finish line—it’s found in every moment you run with Him.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley