_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD_
_Saturday, September 5th 2026_
*RUN TOWARDS THE MARK*
_...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_ *(Philippians 3:13-14)*
When you study the life of the Apostle Paul, you’d notice an unmistakable singularity and definitiveness in the pursuit of His divine purpose. His focus was undivided. He wasn’t trying to pursue many conflicting directions at once. His eyes were fixed on the mark, on the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This was also the mindset of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that for the joy set before Him, He endured the Cross and despised the shame. He had His eyes on the prize. In the midst of agony, rejection, humiliation, and suffering, He remained focused on the glorious outcome. He saw beyond the pain and fixed His gaze on the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose. And because He stayed focused, He won.
That’s the mentality you must have in your walk with the Lord. Don’t allow the distractions of life, worldly ambitions, pressures, disappointments, or temporary pursuits to shift your focus away from Christ and His calling upon your life. Keep your eyes straight ahead.
Many are busy and active, yet they’re running in the wrong direction. They're like an athlete running swiftly in a sprint race but away from the finish line. Speed alone doesn’t guarantee victory. It’s not enough to run; you must run toward the mark. You must know the purpose, the vision, and the calling that God has set before you.
No matter your profession, business, or responsibilities in life, Christ must remain your focus. He must be the centre of your aspirations, decisions, pursuits, and ambitions. When your heart is fixed on Him, every other aspect of your life finds proper alignment and meaning.
Therefore, stay focused on the Lord and on the eternal purpose He has given you. Press toward the mark with determination, courage, and unwavering faith. There’s a prize to win, and as you keep your eyes on Him and remain steadfast in His Word, you’ll fulfil your calling gloriously and triumphantly. Hallelujah!
*PRAYER*
_Dear Father, thank you for setting before me a glorious calling and heavenly purpose. My eyes are fixed on you, and my heart is steadfast on your perfect will for my life. I press toward the mark with courage, faith, and determination, fulfilling my calling victoriously, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._
*FURTHER STUDY:*
*Hebrews 12:2* Looking 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.
*1 Corinthians 9:24-27* Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. *25* And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. *26* I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: *27* But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* 2 Corinthians 3:7-4:1-18 & Proverbs 16-17
*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 & Jeremiah 23
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