Discover a powerful Christian message from Atlin Family Church about pressing on toward God’s calling, renewing your mind, and running your race with faith, peace, and purpose through Jesus Christ.
Press On for the Prize
A Message from Atlin Family Church
With Dale & Rena Mae McDonald
Welcome, and thank you for joining Atlin Family Church Online. As we bring this year to a close, we want to share a message that looks forward with hope, purpose, and faith. While life can feel overwhelming at times, God calls us not to dwell on the past but to press on toward the prize He has set before us.
This message is about focus—choosing where we direct our thoughts, our energy, and our trust as we step into a new season.
Looking Forward, Not Backward
As a new year approaches, many people reflect on the past. While reflection can be healthy, dwelling on past mistakes, failures, or regrets can keep us stuck. Scripture encourages us instead to forget what lies behind and look forward to what God has ahead.
God gives us steps we can handle—small steps of obedience that build confidence and peace. When we know we have heard from the Lord, we can move forward trusting that He is the one doing the work. Our role is obedience, motivated by love, not obligation.
As we bless God through obedience, He works through us to bless others. That is what it truly means to live a Christ‑like life.
Changing Our Focus Brings Rest
Life doesn’t stop just because we feel tired or unprepared. What often brings the greatest rest is not external circumstances changing, but a shift in our mindset.
True rest comes when we quiet our minds, refocus our thoughts, and receive the peace God offers. This may look different for each person and for different seasons of life. Sometimes it means slowing down, listening to our bodies, and allowing ourselves to rest physically. At other times, it means stepping away mentally from constant striving and pressure.
Rest is found when our focus shifts from performance to presence—from ourselves to God.
Enjoying Today While Trusting God with Tomorrow
It is easy to spend life always looking ahead, waiting for the next milestone. But when we do that, we miss the present moment. Relationships suffer, joy fades, and today quietly slips away.
As we grow, our focus naturally changes. It becomes less about what we are chasing and more about who we are following. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, the future feels lighter. The pressure lifts because we are no longer carrying everything on our own shoulders.
Like a well‑trained puppy constantly watching its master for direction, we are called to keep our eyes on God—listening for His guidance and trusting that He will lead us step by step.
Life Is a Race—Run It Wisely
Scripture often describes life as a race. It can become a race for success, money, recognition, or the “perfect life” the world promotes. Before knowing Christ, many people chase these illusions, believing they will bring fulfillment.
True peace, provision, and rest are found in living within God’s plan—not the world’s definition of success.
Living simply, slowing down, and walking in God’s will often brings more peace than constant striving. When we are aligned with Him, life becomes more manageable and joyful.
Pressing On: Paul’s Instruction
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12–14 that even he had not reached perfection, yet he chose to press on:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Our ultimate prize is eternity with God, but we also have a purpose here and now. Each person is uniquely created and gifted to serve God in a way only they can. We are partners with the Creator of the universe, and that truth alone changes how we live.
Forgiveness: A Necessary Step Forward
One of the greatest obstacles to moving forward is unforgiveness—toward others or ourselves. When we hold on to past hurts, we remain chained to them, even when the other person may be unaware.
Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. While emotions may resurface, choosing forgiveness repeatedly loosens their power over time. Healing follows, and freedom grows.
The first step is showing up. Don’t give up. Press on.
Renewing the Mind Through God’s Word
Transformation begins with renewing our minds according to God’s Word. Romans 12:1–2 teaches that as our thinking changes, our lives follow.
Jesus also reminds us not to worry about earthly needs. When we seek God’s kingdom first, He promises to provide everything we need. Worry adds nothing to our lives—but trust brings peace.
Our thoughts are a battlefield, and Scripture equips us to take every thought captive and align it with Christ. When we focus on God’s truth instead of fear or deception, we walk in victory.
Living a Prayerful Lifestyle
A prayerful life is not about constant talking—it is about constant awareness of God’s presence.
This includes:
- Talking to God honestly about our needs, fears, and joys
- Thanking Him daily for His faithfulness
- Reading and praying Scripture
- Listening quietly for His guidance
- Walking in community with other believers
Prayer is communication, which means listening as much as speaking. God already knows our hearts; prayer helps us grow in relationship with Him.
How to Begin Seeking God
If you are new to faith or seeking a deeper relationship with God, start with His Word. Many people find it helpful to begin with:
- The book of Romans
- The Gospel of John
- Proverbs (one chapter per day)
Ask God simple, honest questions. Invite Him into your life. He is faithful to respond.
Press On with Purpose
As we draw near to God, He draws near to us. The first step belongs to us. When we take it, faith grows, focus sharpens, and purpose becomes clear.
Forget what is behind. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Press on for the prize.
About Atlin Family Church
Atlin Family Church exists to help people grow in faith, discover God’s purpose, and live transformed lives through Jesus Christ. We are honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
