Text: Philippians 3:13
Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:5-33
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,
Philippians 3:13 NKJV
MESSAGE
One of the greatest powers any man can possess is the power of persistence and determination to achieve a set goal and objective. We will all agree that nothing is easy in life and the few who made it big are those who kept on knocking until their heaven opened. They are those who despite the difficulty and challenges, never took their eyes away from the goal and attained their goals.
The Bible says that better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof. God’s word also says that though your beginning may be little, your latter end will be greatly increased (Ecclesiastes 7:8; Job 8:7). But between your visions or dreams and their fulfillment, there are obstacles. Only those who persevere win in the end.
Do you know that our Christian journey is that of endurance? Those who give up never get the crown, only those who endure till the end will have eternal reward. Take a look at Apostle Paul and His many sufferings as recorded in our text and reading of the day, he could have given up but he chose to keep going.
In Philippians 3:12, 14, he said, 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. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12, 14 NKJV
This man would not give up even if it meant giving up his life. Paul was willing to do anything to gain everything that Christ could give. To achieve his goal, Paul maintained a serious life of discipline.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
I Corinthians 9:27 NKJV
Such a lifestyle is worth emulating. Christians must learn to persist despite obstacles and be willing to do anything to achieve their God-given vision. Paul eventually finished well and strong because he never quit. He kept his focus on the goal, even when the goal post seemed to be shifted Paul never lost sight of the goal.
To get to heaven or achieve greatness in this life will not be easy, but you must not give up. You must keep pressing until you reach your goal. With God on your side, you can be eternally confident that you can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Keep going forward!
REFLECTION
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 Timothy 4:8 NKJV
Paul finished well because he didn’t give up, you must also keep going. Don’t quit, you will soon win!
PRAYER
Father, I receive the strength to keep pursuing your vision for my life without quitting in Jesus’ name. Amen
