Main text: Philippians 3:14 (NIV) – I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me in heaven-ward in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) – Do you not know that in a race, all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.No athlete enters a race with the mindset of loosing or taking the last position.
The race you see on the track, take years of preparation. From our main text, Apostle Paul was admonishing the brethren of Philippians that His focus is on the goal of eternal glory (Heaven at last). Many Christians have lost the focus of why we all got into this race in the first instance. Life challenges and frivolities have taken the attention of many away from the prize of eternal life. The Christian race is not a sprint race but marathon – we encounter several obstacles, trials and tribulation in the form of hurdles.
One must take care of how they manoeuvre the trials that come their way because they count in the eyes of God. Note, just like every other athlete in a race, pressure, tension and distractions come our way but the defining factors that stand-out the winner are focus, determination, courage and faith. Child of God, you must stay focused and determined in your heart to get the prize of eternal life.
Remember, the end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof. You must have the courage to ward off the challenges that devil throws at you because the reward afterwards is greater. Have faith that Christ is with you and therefore, won’t allow you to fall and remain down on the track.
God never promised that the race will be ‘a walk in the park’ but Christ, knowing the challenges ahead said,’…be of good cheers because I have overcome the world’.
THE ESSENCE OF ENTERING A RACE IS TO WIN THE PRIZE
Prayer point: Father in the name of Jesus Christ, help me run this Christian race with the determination to win the ultimate prize. Amen
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.