“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14
On the cross-country course, my legs begin to feel like cement; my lungs start burning, and my mind isn’t in it anymore. Our team goals are no longer driving me; time and place goals fade. The objective degenerates to just finishing without walking. Have you ever had that feeling when taking on something big?
Paul knew that the goal was to glorify God so as to hear Him say at the end of his race, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). The circumstances he experienced, including imprisonment, beatings, hunger, and shipwreck (just look at the list in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27!), could have derailed his focus. Instead, knowing that Jesus, by His life, death, and resurrection had achieved the goal for him (2 Corinthians 5:23), he relentlessly raced to the finish line. “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own” (Philippians 3:12).
When I’m faltering during a cross-country race, I need to remember that Jesus went through more on the cross to win the ultimate goal for me. Set your heart on that truth!
Paul knew that the goal was to glorify God so as to hear Him say at the end of his race, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). The circumstances he experienced, including imprisonment, beatings, hunger, and shipwreck (just look at the list in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27!), could have derailed his focus. Instead, knowing that Jesus, by His life, death, and resurrection had achieved the goal for him (2 Corinthians 5:23), he relentlessly raced to the finish line. “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own” (Philippians 3:12).
When I’m faltering during a cross-country race, I need to remember that Jesus went through more on the cross to win the ultimate goal for me. Set your heart on that truth!
Scripture Focus
Philippians 3
Insight
This piece was contributed by the writer’s high school teammate, Kevin.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 28-29
- Psalm 7
- Matthew 10-11
