“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

An ancient Arab proverb state “There are three things that return not: the spoken word, the spent arrow, and the lost opportunity!” this was written in 1875 and still holds true today. Too often we get caught up in trying to relive or bring back past encounters and circumstances. Every born-again believer should have our sights on higher ground. Philippians 3:14 state “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul envisioned and articulated the analogy of running a race; and he may have been training others in the faith, but he was also a competitor in the race, and he ran the race as to win. What was Paul running to obtain? The knowledge of knowing Christ and living with Him forever…receiving a reward stored up for Him in Heaven as well as all of God’s beloved children in heaven, one which is incorruptible and comes from the grace and mercy of God…and the hope of hearing God say as stated in Matthew 25:23.  “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

How are you running your race today or you stuck in trying to get those youthful moments and things long gone? Or have you allowed God’s grace to season you to live for this day and seek the opportunities to make this life a little brighter for someone coming along the way? We have so much ahead to live for…this day we should live as though we have a lively hope that nothing in this world can take away. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:3-4.

When we keep it all in perspective, recognizing that time is only relevant to this temporal existence and that our Creator God is eternal, the Spirit of God releases His divine graces within our souls, and they give us the ability to live in in strength and peace, with uplifted hearts…having attitudes of gratefulness. and a heart to press on towards the mark … I ask you again, how are you running your race- are you living in pity- looking back at missed opportunities or will you choose to live, each new day in the peace, power, and love of God…expecting His best right now and one day when He welcomes us home?

I urge you again…press on-with the intent to acheive the goal…don’t allow things that happen in life to way you down… because we are more than conquerors through the grace and power of the Lord! May God help us to shed the occasional worry, pain, and disappointments we incur in this life, and shout hallelujah because we know His promises are faithful and true…He will provide all that we need, and nobody can do us like Jesus…do you believe it? “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Remember that Almighty God orders your steps…every circumstance has a divine purpose, and there is absolutely no one who can fulfill your calling but you! “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12.

Start today- as the caller of the race states… on your mark…get set-go! run-on making a conscious effort to let your light shine in this dark world-allowing God’s amazing grace to give you the power, and peace to run your race like the Apostle Paul…to win the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

God blessings and peace be with us all-we’re in it to win it!