“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)  We are now deep into Lent. If you have given up something for the season, perhaps the chocolate or television or Facebook (or whatever) is calling louder and louder.  It’s easy to become tired, it’s easy to give up.  Or maybe there’s been a difficult circumstance in your life; a loved one with an addiction, or a problem marriage, or chronic illness.  Perhaps, you are even struggling with the current state of the church.  Oh yes, it is very easy to lose heart and to give up.  But in this week’s epistle, Paul is reminding the Philippians and us what the true source of our strength is; that which allows us to continue to strive.  Is it our bank account?  Or our education?  Perhaps it is our strong work ethic?  No, none of those are adequate to meet the challenges of life.  Instead, that one source of strength that has the power to see you through any and all circumstances is simply this: the Lord Jesus Christ has made you his own!  You and I have been bought at a great price and embraced with a love which is eternal.  And with that in mind, press on to the goal which awaits you.  For at the end of this season is an empty tomb and a joy which can never be extinguished.