RUN TOWARDS THE MARK
...this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 3:13-14).
When you study the life of the Apostle Paul,
you’d notice an unmistakable singularity and
definitiveness in the pursuit of His divine purpose. His focus
was undivided. He wasn’t trying to pursue many conflicting
directions at once. His eyes were fixed on the mark, on the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This was also the mindset of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews
12:2 tells us that for the joy set before Him, He endured
the Cross and despised the shame. He had His eyes on
the prize. In the midst of agony, rejection, humiliation, and
suffering, He remained focused on the glorious outcome.
He saw beyond the pain and fixed His gaze on the fulfilment
of God’s eternal purpose. And because He stayed focused,
He won.
That’s the mentality you must have in your walk with the
Lord. Don’t allow the distractions of life, worldly ambitions,
pressures, disappointments, or temporary pursuits to shift
your focus away from Christ and His calling upon your life.
Keep your eyes straight ahead.
14
Many are busy and active, yet they’re running in the
wrong direction. They're like an athlete running swiftly in
a sprint race but away from the finish line. Speed alone
doesn’t guarantee victory. It’s not enough to run; you must
run toward the mark. You must know the purpose, the
vision, and the calling that God has set before you.
No matter your profession, business, or responsibilities
in life, Christ must remain your focus. He must be the centre
of your aspirations, decisions, pursuits, and ambitions.
When your heart is fixed on Him, every other aspect of
your life finds proper alignment and meaning.
Therefore, stay focused on the Lord and on the eternal
purpose He has given you. Press toward the mark with
determination, courage, and unwavering faith. There’s a
prize to win, and as you keep your eyes on Him and remain
steadfast in His Word, you’ll fulfil your calling gloriously
and triumphantly. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for setting before me a glorious
calling and heavenly purpose. My eyes are fixed on
you, and my heart is steadfast on your perfect will for
my life. I press toward the mark with courage, faith, and
determination, fulfilling my calling victoriously, in Jesus’
Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 12:2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 3:7-4:1-18 & Proverbs 16-17
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 & Jeremiah 23