Phillipians 3:13 
• 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

• DAILY READING 2 Corinthians 9; 2 Kings 22:1-23:35; Nahum 3

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first man in history to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. However within 2 months of this achievement, the record Roger Bannister set was challenged and broken by another runner, John Landy. He surpassed Roger’s record by 1.4 seconds.

It was then decided that the two men had to race against each other, to determine the better runner. And so on August 7, 1954, these two great runners met together for a historic race.

When the race began the two men put in their best, each determined to win. However as they moved into the last lap, John Landy was leading. It looked as if he would win. But as he neared the finish line, he was curious to know Bannister’s position, probably  to know how much gap he had given him. So he decided to look back. But that was a grave mistake. What he didn’t know was that Bannister  was right behind him. And as John Landy turned to look, suddenly Bannister overtook him and took the lead. Bannister crossed the finish line first and won the race. 

It was devastating for Landy to realize he came so close to winning, but only lost just because he decided to turn back. In an interview with  Time magazine, he said, “If I hadn’t looked back, I would have won!”

Indeed, if you mind the opposition, you lose your position.

In Philippians 3:12-13, the apostle Paul said, “I press on… forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”

In life, we must forget the things that are behind and press forward to the goal before us. we need to be focused on the race. When we are following God’s will, whatever anyone else is doing or saying shouldn’t bother us. Oppositions should be expected when you are moving ahead. 

One of the most descriptive pictures of the Christian life in the Bible is of an athlete competing in a race. And first Corinthians 9:24-27 tells us that discipline is the key to winning in this race. To win in the race of life, we must be focused.  Stay focused instead of getting offended or side tracked by others.

Don’t mind the noise of the naysayers. The truth is that whatever  course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. Backbiters will always be at the back. And all their commotion is aimed at getting you to turn back. But to draw back on the battlefield is not an option for spiritual warriors. Press on if you don’t want to be pressed in. 

When Nehemiah had a dream to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced incredible opposition. The city leaders were bent on stopping him from building. He could have gotten discouraged, he could have decided the obstacles were too much for him, rather he decided to forge forward, trusting that the hand of God upon his life will see him through. And indeed God saw him through.  

As we run this Christian race there will always be opposition. If you yield to the opposition, you will quit the race in discouragement.  Even though it was God’s will for Nehemiah to build the wall, God did not remove the opposition. Even though it is God’s will for you to succeed, yet He does not remove the opposition. Because many times overcoming the opposition is what takes you to your destination. The principle is the closer you are to your destiny, the greater the opposition.  David had to fight Goliath before getting to the throne. And the reason you’re facing oppositions today is because just like David, you’re about to step into a new level of your destiny. Often times what was meant to stop you is what ends up promoting you. 

The opposition is there to make you better and not bitter. In fact, the opposition will help drive you to greater dependence on the Lord and to greater determination to do what He has called you to do. 

In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are encouraged to lay aside anything that might hinder our spiritual advancement . Therefore learn to despise oppositions and move ahead with your dream. Do not mind the opinion of the naysayers. No one can make you inferior without your consent. 

You must Keep your eye single on your purpose. And never forget that on this race you are not alone. When God sends you on a mission, He goes before you, He walks with you, He works through you and He works with you. Therefore the forces that are for you are greater than the forces that are against you. Never forget that God is for you and if God be for you who can be against you. 

When situations try to weigh you down or limit you, know that with God, you have what it takes to overcome and rise above. 

Therefore don’t settle for less than God’s best. Don’t settle for average or ordinary because you are designed for the extraordinary. No matter the situation around you, believe that God is turning  every opposition into promotion for you . Every valley you face will become a mountaintop of victory for you. Indeed by God’s grace, we will win this race as we keep running, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  
PRAYER; Lord, give us endurance as we run this race of life. Help us not to be distracted but to be disciplined and committed to finishing well. May we fix our eyes on the eternal goal set before us and keep looking unto Jesus. 

QUOTE : 

When God  places His hand upon a man in life, nothing can come against him.  

WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]