As Believers, God has placed us in a race. It is a race that was already set before the world began! When Jesus walked this earth, He showed us how to run this race and how to finish it. He, in turn, ignited and equipped others before us (such as Peter, John, James, Paul…) to give us tools we’ll need to cross the finish line. As runners in this Christian race, we’ll need a lot of training and preparation to cross the finish line, which can only be obtained by studying the Word of God, spending time with God, and believing in His every Word. Having confidence in God, we can reach that goal and receive our prize!
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:12-14, NKJV)
In today’s passage, Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to keep their eyes on the prize! He tells them that he’s made a conscious decision to keep looking up and moving forward to cross the finish line. Paul was going to look back, but had his mind, heart, and eyes set on what lies ahead: the prize of the upward call (Phil. 3:13-14).
Therefore, my sister, I’m praying that we will do the same. I’m praying that we’ll have tunnel vision today and every day. Don’t look to the left or to the right, but keep our eyes on the prize. Don’t worry about what this person is doing over here or what that person is doing over there, but keep our eyes on the prize. Remember our purpose. Remember what God has told us to do and what He has shown us. We can’t lose sight of the prize!
Don’t let those things that are going on around you knock you off the path God has set for you. Your journey that God has you on is just what it is…….a journey. So, there will be potholes, bumps in the road, and sudden turns. Your journey is not supposed to be easy, it’s a journey! No, you won’t know what lies ahead; though, God knows. All the roads won’t be smooth. It’s going to be rough patches and a lot of opposition. In spite of all those things, you must remain focused on the prize God has for you!
Keep fighting a good fight. Keep praying. Keep the faith. Keep looking up. Keep your eyes on the prize and finish the race!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
(2 Tim.4:7-8, NKJV)
It’s Monday……already!! Now, run the race with endurance and determination!
During your Quiet Time, MEDITATE on God’s Word and keep walking in freedom!
LET’S WALK IN FREEDOM TOGETHER & IMPACT THE WORLD!
*Originally posted 10/28/13.
Rhovonda L. Brown is speaker and author of two bestsellers, Walking in Freedom!: A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women and At Least Say, “Thank You!”: An 8-Day Devotional Plan for a Grateful Heart.
Copyright ©2010-2016. Rhovonda L. Brown. All Rights Reserved.
Images.google.com. Run the race. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7RvVpWKD_0/UKDvEjy4_8I/AAAAAAAAANY
/Pwv2rkxCkDI/s1600/1_corinthians_9_24.jpg (accessed June 28, 2013).