Philippians 3:14-16
¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. ¹⁶Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
In the journey of life, stay focused and firm, for in diversion awaits great loss.
What happens when a young student diverts from pursuing their studies to pursuing excitements, they hiccup a prospective bright future. A deviation from Christ also leads to a path unknown where you are lost in the world’s temptations, with seeds of regret sown. When it came to Samson, a strong and truly anointed Man, Delilah’s charm distracted him, making him lose his strength and purpose in her silken arms, therefore, it is expedient to stay true to the path that is purposed for you, therein is a treasure ahead.
Mathew 16:21-23
²¹From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. ²²Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. ²³But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
“But he turned, and said unto Peter; Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me.” An offence herein means a stumbling block, something that can cause one to fall. When we perceive not the purpose of God, we fall away from His purpose, but once we perceive His purpose, we cling on regardless of the obstacles or circumstance.
In life’s journey, stumbling blocks may appear and may seem to be unavoidable, but it is up to us to remain focused and keep pursuing the right course. It is important to stay focused and determined, to avoid distractions and diversions that may lead us off our course. Paul says: I have run the race (2 Timothy 4:7), no runner in a race is distracted to look left or right lest they lose the race, rather they are focused on the prize ahead of them. Approach this life with discipline, accept what is acceptable to your purpose and reject what is not.
Just like Jesus, we must persevere and persist, never allowing negativity or obstacles to deter us from our purpose. With commitment and dedication, we can successfully navigate through challenges and reach the desired destination. Jesus never for a moment diverted off course, through pain, mockery, insult, abuse, temptation, amidst all odds He stood and focused on His mission.
A young prophet received direction from God not to eat bread nor drink water nor turn again to go by the way while he came to execute His mission. Nevertheless, he met one older prophet who allured him to divert and turn back from where he came from and to dine with him; this marked the end of His story!
1 Kings 13:21-22
²¹And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, ²²But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.
Stay focused on your goal and keep pressing forward even when obstacles get in your way. Keep on the right path and avoid distractions that may lead you astray. “Let your eyes look directly forward and set your gaze straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or the left; turn your foot away from evil (Proverbs 4:25-27)
Prophetic Utterance:
Father Lord, I thank You for your divine calling, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, may You help me to walk in true purpose and never go astray, setting my eyes on the path before me with fixed purpose.
Guiding Text:
Hebrews 12:1-2
¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. ²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.