Philippians 3:13-14 ‘..but 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.’

DAILY READING – Hebrews 13; Exodus 18:1-19:25; Proverbs 8

Emmitt Smith is one of America’s greatest football players. Among his outstanding achievements was leading the Dallas Cowboys to win three Super Bowl championships.
However Emmitt’s rise to fame was as a result of his choice to elevate God’s Word, above the many odds stacked against him.
Emmitt became a Christian at an early age. As a boy, he dreamed of playing in the National Football League, but throughout his high school, he was told that he didn’t have the size or the speed to play in college football, talk less of making it to the National Football League.
However, instead of becoming deterred or discouraged by the criticisms, Emmitt rather used it as fuel and motivation to press forward, believing his destiny was only in God’s hands.
In 1987, despite the obstacles, Emmitt earned a scholarship to the University of Florida. Before he left home his grandmother gave him the Bible verse in Proverbs 3:5, which said “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding..’
Holding on to this Scripture helped Emmitt to overcome the many challenges that lay ahead. With great faith in God, Emmitt went on to eventually become a celebrated player, breaking a number of football records in the process. He was able to finally silence his critics by going on to become the National Football League’s all-time leading rusher.
Today, Emmitt Smith continually thanks and praises God for his amazing success despite the odds against him. In a recent press conference he said “I owe Jesus everything I have and everything I am and every fiber of my being belongs to Him,” Smith said

Despite the oppositions Emmitt faced, he pressed forward with God’s help until he attained his goal.
Truly, God has great destinies for each of us, but we must pay the price of persistence and resilience, if we are to see the manifestations.
Responsibility is said to be the mother of greatness and responsibility is also a distinguishing attribute of the sons of God.
Those who are spiritual mature will always maintain steadfast faith in God’s Word, despite contrary circumstances.
Indeed when our heart is strong in God, no matter the challenges that may come our way, through Christ Jesus we will always overcome.
This is why setbacks or criticisms should never deter or stop your progress in life. Even in situations that does not seem to make sense, you must keep trusting in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
As you keep pressing forward, it is only a matter of time before you see how each setback eventually plays into God’s master plan for your life.

Therefore whatever you may be confronted with today, be assured that through God, you can overcome. Remember that every time of challenge, is only a phase of life. It too shall pass. Every problem, they say, has an expiry date. Life is in times and seasons. Therefore do not let temporary hurdles stop your long distance race. Keep your focus on God’s Word and keep pressing forward by His grace to His high calling in your life.

Philippians 3:13-14 says ‘..but 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.’

Certainly, the faithful God who called you will also perfect all that concerns you. Therefore in every situation, rather than fret or worry, choose to bless the Lord at all times and let His praise continually be on your lips. Through daily study of the Scriptures and fervent prayers, keep your faith strong. And as you keep pressing forward, it is only a matter of time before you see the full manifestation of God’s promises in your life.

PRAYER: Father please enable me to keep pressing forward despite any challenge I may face. I thank You Lord for indeed doing exceedingly abundantly above all I could ever ask or imagine in Jesus Name.
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When you obey God’s instruction, you are delivered from destruction.
WORDBITE 222.