“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…” Philippians 3:12-13
In 1519, Cortés landed in Mexico with a fleet of 12 ships. His aim was to conquer the Aztec Empire. Whether legend or truth, the story goes that Cortés burned the ships to prevent his men from retreating. They were there to conquer.
I think Cortés was on to something here. He gave no option for retreat. The plan was to push through to victory—no alternative, no turning back.
Looking forward to July 2012, there are all these ships that can keep me here. Things that are familiar and safe and comfortable: my family, friends, church, holidays and yes, even my closet. Ships that I know. Ships that I don’t want to give up.
But that’s not the life I’ve been called to live.
I want to burn every option for retreat. My goal is victory..a goal God has promised through His word that I would see. I’ve wrestled the seas and waves trying to hold me back from this point, but in July, I will step out to a new adventure. I don’t know what I will encounter, but I know victory is my outcome.
Like Paul said, I forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.
Burn the ships. I came to conquer.
