You can do it
<Philippians 3 (NIV) – (12) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (13) Brothers, 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, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
June 1, 2008 (Sunday) Stress is a factor in everyone’s life in the 21st century. How can we cope with it? Here are a few suggestions, based on Philippians 3:12-14:
Be realistic. Paul acknowledges his imperfection (v. 12). It is unrealistic to demand perfection in ourselves. God allows things in our lives that remind us of our humanity. We want to do our best, but when we fall short, we should not put ourselves on guilt trips. We must be willing to give the same consideration to others as well as ourselves. A realistic view of ourselves and others is basic to our handling stress well.
Keep going. You’re not Superman; no one is. The character is a myth.
Know your limits, but don’t quit.
Don’t let the past get you down (v. 13). Guessing about what “might have been” is pure speculation; we cannot possibly know. Therefore we must stop condemning ourselves for not having done things successfully. Guilty feelings get us down. We must allow each morning to bring us a brand new day.
Live expectantly (v. 13). Look upon each day as a new opportunity. Anticipate good things. Believe!
Reach for your goals (v. 14). Maintain high and lofty objectives for your life, but set reachable goals. Let your plan of action be worthy of all you believe and are in Christ. Say with the Apostle, Paul, “I can do it in the strength the Lord gives me!” (Phil. 4:13 paraphrase).