Philippians 3:13-14

‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: 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 – 1 Peter 3; Jeremiah 35-36; Psalm 136

The Miracle of Dammam was the name given to the football match between Nigeria and Russia, at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia. The Russians had a strong team and scored goals at the start of the match. When in the second half, the Russians scored their fourth goal, and Nigeria still had no goal, obviously it looked like Russian had won the game. And a number of spectators, believing it was all over, left the stadium. Back home, many  Nigerian football fans, thoroughly disappointed, got up from in front of the television and walked away. Russia now quite certain of their victory, pulled out their key players, but that proved to be an unwise decision.

Suddenly Nigeria scored! Before Russia could understand what was going on, in the space of 30 minutes, Nigeria had scored four goals to equalize. The match then resorted to a penalty shoot-out. In the penalties, Nigeria triumphed 5-3.

The Russians were stunned beyond words.

The match made history and created a footballing record. Nigeria became the first team to come back from four goals down, to equalize and then go on to win a FIFA World Cup match at any level.

The lesson we can learn from this historic match is that no matter how low anyone falls, he can rise up again if he truly determines to. Indeed it is never over until it is over. No matter how great the odds, you can still press forward and win.

In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul says ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: 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.’

No matter where you may have been defeated in the past, you can still press on to victory. No matter how low you may have fallen, you can still rise up and scale to any height. No matter how far behind it seems you are in life’s race, you can still press forward and win.

God has created life for constant forward movement. Plants grow forward and never backward. The universe keeps expanding forward and never backward. What it means is that, no matter what happens, you must keep going forward.

Better is the end of a matter than the beginning thereof. In other words, no matter what you may have seen at the beginning, the better side is still ahead. Though your beginning may be small, your later end shall greatly increase. The glory of the later house is always greater than the former.  Keep pressing forward. Your light is meant to keep shining brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

Paul said in the reference text that he forgets those things which are behind. In spite of the challenges Paul had, he had a primary focus to keep pressing forward. He said, “one thing I do’, this means he was functioning in the present. Despite past challenges, he was still doing all he could in the present to ensure he had the victory. Likewise we must learn to function in the present and let go of the past. Let go of disappointments; fears, worries, hurts, unattained goals. If you keep focusing on past failures, it will drain your strength and distract you. Your destiny is not predicated on your past. Keep your focus on moving forward. Understand that every day you are pressing closer to your goal. It is only a matter of time. And if you refuse to get weary and faint, in due season you shall reap. Indeed if you refuse to quit, you will surely win.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the grace and strength to keep pressing forward.  Despite past challenges,  right now, I know the  lines are falling unto me in pleasant places. indeed all things are working together for my good in Jesus Name.   .

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