SEPTEMBER 11; FOCUS ON THE PRIZE…

Philippians 1:6 ‘Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ’

DAILY READING; Luke 8:26-56; Genesis 13:1-14:24; Psalm 7

In April 2015, a video of a college athletic race went viral, viewed by millions of people across the world. It was a college track & field meet, organized by Pepsi, featuring teams from the universities of Oregon, Kentucky and Washington.
A remarkable thing occurred during the 3000m Steeplechase race.
As the runners fiercely competed, the University of Oregon runner, Tanguy Pepiot took the lead, followed by the runner from the University of Washington, Meron Simon. As Tanguy neared the finish line, he had put more than 10 meters between him and Meron Simon. At this point, with only the straightaway remaining to the finish line, Tanguy became confident that he had already won the race.
Responding to the cheers from the crowd, he slowed down a bit, and began waving his arms in the air encouraging the crowd to cheer more. However as he did this what he did not realize was that Meron Simon was fast bearing down on him.
By the time Tanguy Pepiot saw that Meron was right behind him, it was too late. With only a meter left to the finish line, Meron put on a last burst of speed, zipped past the bewildered Tanguy and crossed the finish line first, winning the race.
It was an extremely close finish. According to the official time, Tanguy had lost by 0.10 seconds. He would have been the winner if only he had focused till the end and not given in to the distraction of the applauding crowd.

1 Corinthians 1: 24 says ‘Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.’

In the race of life we need to keep our eyes on the prize and not let down our guard to any distraction, no matter how well intentioned.

Indeed to achieve our God-ordained goal, we must discipline our focus on our priorities. Especially in this season of supernatural harvest, we must beware of the distractions and temptations that often come at the point of breakthroughs. It is often said that the night is darkest just before the day dawns. Indeed when a great and effectual door opens before you, many adversaries also arise. Therefore, for where God is taking you to in this season, you don’t have time to notice who is applauding you or not. The surest way to be distracted in life’s race is to focus on other people’s voices or opinions. Truly, if you mind the opposition, you may lose your position.

The greatest challenge that faces everyone running life’s race is distraction, especially from people on the sidelines who are going nowhere. Distraction is often the devil’s strategy to keep you from winning the race. While the enemy may not try to stop you from starting, he’ll work overtime to try to keep you from finishing. Distractions are the side attractions he uses to keep your attention from your destination. This is why we must never allow setbacks, disappointments or even our past successes to stop us from our destination.
Especially in this season of supernatural harvest and change of levels, in every situation, we must maintain our focus on God’s Word and follow the voice of the Spirit. Truly when you keep your face towards the sun, you will not see the shadows.

Indeed God who helped you to start, will surely help you to finish.

Philippians 1:6 says ‘Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ’

The Message translation says ‘There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.’

Indeed God is bringing us to a flourishing finish. And as we keep focusing on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, surely, we will reap an exceeding, abundant harvest, more than we could ever have imagined.

PRAYER: Lord, Please help me not to be distracted in this season. In all things let my focus be on Your Word and the guidance of Your Spirit. I know indeed You are working out all things for my good, and causing me to finish well and strong in Jesus Name. .

QUOTE God’s promises in Christ in your life may appear delayed, but never forget that delays are not denials. WORDBITE 222