Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.But one thing
I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.I press
on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 3:13-14) NIV
Many of us set goals achieving above and beyond; pressing on even to the point of physical pain, distress, suffering, and harm.Nothing compares to the recent Olympic challenge in Beijing China , representation world wide.This accomplishment represents years of discipline; many times only to become defeated by seconds.
Competing at the Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympic Games; Derek Redmond fell in agony to his knees, pain etched upon his face, with a torn hamstring; he hobbled to a halt. His father realizing his son in pain ran from top of the stadium giving him support before the goal line while Derek limped to the finish; completing the race with a standing ovation; he didn't finish 1st place, but he and his father finished.
When we are hurting and fighting to finish the race our heavenly father comes along side; giving us support completing the race.You may not succeed by the world's standards but you will be a success in God's eyes.With the single mindedness of an athlete in training; laying aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians.
The means we use to accomplish a goal are just as important as the goal we are trying to accomplish.God's ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ.As we become more like him, we discover our true selves and what we are created to be.We should not allow anything take our eyes off our goal - call upon him when we are fighting to finish the race and our father will carry us toward the goal and win our everlasting prize.
