Stay On Mission – 25th June 2018

1. Determination.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12-14

Not long after the world cup finals in Russia began, there was a remarkable 3-3 draw between Spain and Portugal. As the match came close to finishing Spain were leading 3-2 and then Portugal were awarded a Free Kick within shooting distance of the Spanish goal. As the crowd roared their team on, up stepped Christiano Ronaldo – he would take the free kick at this critical moment.

As he placed the ball and then looked up to face the goal his face was a picture of absolute determination, he, perhaps the world’s greatest player, had an opportunity to rescue his team from defeat and the look on his face said it all – ‘he would not fail them’.

Immediately he struck the ball there was no doubt where it would end up – in the back of the net. He struck the ball perfectly and it bent around the wall and went into the top corner of the goal. It was a brilliant piece of skill but what I remember most was that look of determination – failure was not an option.

In the words that Paul wrote to the Philippians, he said: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…..
Paul did not rest on wnere he had reached as a Christian, he wasn’t content with what the Lord had already done in and through him, he was determined to be used by God to bring victory as the Kingdom of God spread across the world.

So deeply I wish that the church of Jesus Christ consisted of millions upon millions of Christ followers possessing the same determination. Christians who would not settle for the fact that they have never shared their faith or led a person to Christ. Followers of Jesus who would continually ‘strain toward what is ahead’ even if this means discomfort and opposition.

If we are to stay on mission with Jesus we cannot be half-hearted and willing to so easily accept defeat. We must be determined!
This week, I encourage you to spend time with the Lord and ask Him to fill you, once again, with His passion, To replace indifference with commitment and acceptance of a comfortable and safe life with a determination to join Him in His Mission whatever!