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“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, 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 book of Philippians is called the epistle of joy. It carries a theme about how to be a joyful, happy person. Its author, Paul, was an amazing man and servant of God who wrote many New Testament books. Guess where Paul was when he composed this letter? In a dark, dingy prison cell; he was confined. We all agree that prison life is tough, but it was probably ten times worse 2,000 years ago. And yet, Paul was there, talking about his joy. Why was he so happy? 

The scripture illustrates that joy was set before him because he had a goal. Paul had not attained his goal, but because of his plan, was determined “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Paul paid a huge price; even beyond prison. He was shipwrecked, beaten, rejected, lied to, and the churches he invested in and planted were stolen from him. People also betrayed him. And yet, despite all these trials and setbacks, he is full of joy. Paul knew he had to relinquish control of the past by forgetting what was behind him

Friend, what did Paul have that we need today? He had a goal and a vision centered on Christ. He knew he couldn’t change the past, so he forged on. His motivation for getting up in the morning was clear. If the prize is clear, the price is worth it. Ask God for a clear vision and direction. This is the power of a goal-oriented life — it comes with joy!

Prayer


Father, thank you for giving me clear goals and vision. Help me to experience joy as I move ahead and forget the past.

Reflection


What goals are you determined to fulfill despite trials or setbacks?

If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.  

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2 Responses

  1. I have been a faithful recipient of your devotions each morning. However, they have stopped coming to my email. I re-sent my information and I still have not received them. What can I do?

    1. Hello Lorraine! Sorry you haven’t been receiving your devotions. Have you checked your spam folder by chance? Sometimes they are inadvertently filtered out that way. Otherwise, please send an email to customerservice@hourofpower.org. God loves you and so do we!

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