Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The Power of a Goal
When Michael Phelps was a teenager, his coach asked him to write down his swimming goals. On the list were times and medals that seemed almost impossible — world records, Olympic golds. But those goals gave direction to every early-morning practice, every painful workout, and every sacrifice he made. He wasn’t just swimming laps; he was chasing something bigger.
Every great athlete has a goal: a championship to chase, a skill to master, a record to break. Without a clear goal, training feels empty. With a goal, every practice, workout, and sacrifice has purpose.
Paul uses that same idea when he says, “I press on toward the goal.” His life wasn’t aimless — it was laser-focused on one thing: Christ.
Letting Go of the Past
Goals require focus. You can’t move forward if you’re always looking backward at missed chances, old failures, or even past success. Paul says he forgets what’s behind and strains toward what’s ahead. His focus wasn’t on regret or nostalgia, but on the purpose God gave him in Christ.
Living with Eternal Purpose
Your life will be shaped by whatever goal you pursue. If your prize is only temporary — wins, popularity, money — you’ll eventually find it empty. Paul’s goal was eternal: to know Christ fully and live for Him. That purpose gave meaning to everything else — even suffering and sacrifice.
Sports + Faith Connection
- In sports, goals give clarity to your training. Without them, practice feels meaningless.
- In faith, purpose keeps you moving forward when life gets tough. Without it, distractions take over.
- Both require setting your eyes forward on something greater than the moment.
Athlete Takeaway
This week, ask: What goal am I really chasing?
- Is it short-term success, or eternal purpose?
- What’s one distraction I need to let go of so I can press forward with Christ?
- How can I pursue Him with focus in my daily routine?
Encouragement from Scripture
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
Prayer:
Jesus, help me live with purpose. Teach me to let go of what’s behind, to press forward when life is hard, and to make You my greatest goal. Amen.
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